Lyr Req: Happy Frisky Jim

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Happy Frisky Jim
From: JinxChristie
Date: 26 Jan 04 - 12:06 PM

Thanks. Have had computer problems and just got to your message. Words aren't the same; but, are familiar enough to help me piece it together.

Subject: Lyr Add: HAPPY FRISKY JIM
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 04 Dec 03 - 12:58 AM

There is a version of HAPPY FRISKY JIM at the Max Hunter Collection. Unfortunately, the singer couldn't carry a tune in a bucket!

HAPPY FRISKY JIM
(As sung by Mrs. Olive Coberley in Wheatland, Missouri on November 26, 1959)

I'm my Daddy's only son,
Gay an' lively, full of fun.
Got the sweetest gal in town:
Constance Tiny Juice Harp Brown.

CHORUS: Go 'way now. Don't come nigh me.
Like a kite, up to fly me.
Can't be still. Come an' tie me.
Happy, frisky Jim.

I wish you could see my honey lamb
A mouth just like a big giraffe
A big schamon (?), on her head
Stuck up like feather bed.

When the music 'gins to ring,
An' the ladies dance an' sing,
Oh, they look so very neat,
Take this darkey off his feet.

[The notes say that Vance Randolph also collected it.]

The Folk Music Index lists 6 recordings of "Frisky Jim" or "Old Frisky Jim":

1. Hutchinson, Dick (Uncle Dick). Devil's Box, Devil's Box, Ser (196?), 30/4, p24
2. Lamb, Dwight. South Dakota Fiddling Contest, Foss, LP (1978), cut#A.02
3. Robertson, Lonnie. Missouri Fiddling by Lonnie Robertson, Caney Mountain CEP 211, SP (196?), cut# 4 (Old Frisky Jim)
4. Stoneking, Fred. Saddle Old Spike. Fiddle Music From Missouri, Rounder 0381, CD (1996), cut#26
5. Walters, Bob. Old Time Fiddler's Repertory, University of Missouri, LP (1973), cut# 3
6. Walters, Bob. Old Time Fiddlers Repertory, Vol. 1, University of Missouri, Bk (1973), # 3

On the Internet, I find this repeatedly referred to as a "fiddle tune." That probably means most recorded versions don't have words.

Subject: Lyr Req: Happy Frisky Jim
From: JinxChristie
Date: 01 Dec 03 - 02:01 PM

Hi, My grandfather sang a song to us when we were very young. He died in 1939 and the best my brother and I can remember, the words go something like this:

I'm my daddy's oldest son, me and brother Jim.
My brother's twice as old as me,
So we're twins you can plainly see.
Obadiah, don't ya come nigh me,
Like a kite, you gotta come and fly me;
Can't sit still, you have ta come and tie me,
Happy Frisky Jim.------

That's all we can remember. "Pappy" would play the piano, pat his foot, and sing away. We kids would sing along; but now, we can't remember anymore of the words.

I would love to hear from anyone who may be familiar with this old song.

Thanks, Jinx Christie Duke, Augusta, GA