What is "on top of the old smokey"?

Question

In a game called "brainstorm", Arnold Schwarzenegger first provides the answer and Jimmy Fallon reveals the question to which the answer was provided.

At 2:11 of the video:
Arnold: On top of Old Smokey. [Answer]
Jimmy: Where did Willie Nelson's wife spend her honeymoon? [Question]

It's supposed to be really funny but I don't get the joke.
Could someone please explain the joke?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

listeneverIt's supposed to be really funny but I don't get the joke. Could someone please explain the joke?

Don't get your hopes up too high. Jokes that are explained are not at all funny. In this case you are at a further disadvantage because you don't grow up surrounded by the American culture.

"On Top of Old Smoky" is the title of a folk song. I believe it has to do with the Smoky Mountains in the southeastern United States.

Willie Nelson is a singer widely known to be an avid smoker of marijuana (grass, weed, ...).

A honeymoon is the time a newly married couple first spend together.

The joke contains a reference to a position used during sexual intercourse.

Can you put all of that together and work out the meaning?

CJ

Listenever · Answer

Hmm...let me try.

The joke is that "Old Smokey" here refers to a high mountain AND Willie Nelson at the same time, right?

Then, I think I get it.

One thing, though.

Why do you call a high mountain "Old Smokey"?

Is it because it's so high that it's covered with clouds or that it's covered with snow?

And what about the "Old" part? Because the mountain was there for a long time?

Also, is both spellings "Smoky" and "Smokey" interchangeable?

CalifJim · Answer

listeneverThe joke is that "Old Smokey" here refers to a high mountain AND Willie Nelson at the same time, right?

Right.

listeneverWhy do you call a high mountain "Old Smokey"? Is it because it's so high that it's covered with clouds or that it's covered with snow?

In that range of mountains fog is frequently seen rising above the peaks, giving the appearance of rising smoke. I don't believe that range is ever covered with snow. Maybe during some time during the winter, but as I understand it, the snow, if there is any, is not connected to the name.

There is some doubt about which mountain peak the song refers to. It may even be in Scotland, thus not related at all to the Smoky Mountains of the United States.

listeneverAlso, is both spellings "Smoky" and "Smokey" interchangeable?

No. The mountain range is only the Smoky Mountains. The song is seen both ways: On Top of Old Smoky and On Top of Old Smokey.

CJ

Listenever · Answer

Thanks a lot, CJ.
That was really helpful.

Actually, I had another question regarding Arnold. Could you please take a look at it? I'd appreciate it.

Anonymous · Answer

Humorous and well done!

What is "on top of the old smokey"?

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