I think I first heard/read this one on the SDMB so apologies if this is a rip-off, but it’s one of the few non-dirty jokes I can remember off the top of my head (though I’ve heard or read almost all the other ones in this thread so far, all the ones on the top of the stack are pretty filthy).
A man has to pass through hostile Indian Territory on his way to San Francisco during Gold Rush days, and hires a native guide to help him get through safely. One night, they are both awakened by the sound of distant drums. The guide listens intently for a long time.
“What is it? Is it a war party? Are those drums… Bad?”
“No. Drums are not bad. But, if the drums stop… THAT would be bad.”
The drums continue far into the night, until they fall back asleep, and awake with nothing having happened. A few nights later, once again they are awakened by the sound of drums - this time, considerably closer. Once again, the guide listens intently.
“Are those the same drums as before? Not bad?”
“Yes. Same drums. Not bad. But, we must hope that the drums do not stop.”
Again, they return to rest to the sound of drums and continue on unmolested. Finally, just as they are almost out of the hostile territory, they hear the drums begin again - this time, from very close by, and in broad daylight. And this time, after only about ten minutes, the drums… Stop. The guide comes to a halt, shuts his eyes tight and cradles his head with his hands.
“Oh, my God! The drums have stopped! Now what? WHAT HAPPENS NOW?”
“Drums, not bad! But drums have stopped! Bass solo coming… And he’s TERRIBLE!”