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Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?

21 Jul 09 - 12:10 PM (#2684508)
Subject: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Cool Beans

Anybody know this song? It's on the CD "Snuffy Jenkins, Pioneer of the Bluegrass Banjo." I want to know who wrote it. I've tried Songfile (Harry Fox Agency), ASCAP, BMI, the Usesless--excuse me, U.S.-Copyright Office. Even Arhoolie, which reeased the CD, doesn't have the answer.


21 Jul 09 - 12:46 PM (#2684544)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: autoharper

Please post one verse and the chorus of this song.

-Adam Miller


21 Jul 09 - 12:53 PM (#2684549)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Peace

A site I just looked at attributes "Television" to Zeke Manners.


21 Jul 09 - 12:54 PM (#2684551)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Peace

Google

Playlist for The Radio Thrift Shop - October 9, 2004


21 Jul 09 - 03:26 PM (#2684708)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Cool Beans

Gadzooks, Bruce! How'd you ever find that? Thank you.

Adam, here's a verse and chorus:


The radio, the phonograph, they used to be all right.
My wife and I would cuddle up and listen every night.
Then television came and things aint' like they used to be,
Cause since she saw ol' Snuffy, now she won't look at me.

CHORUS:
Television
It's the devil's doin'
It brought me ruin
And grief and woe-oh-oh
Television,
It's the devil's doin'.
Television,
It's got to go.


21 Jul 09 - 04:25 PM (#2684748)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Peace

Just luck.

However, that is a song that DOES appeal to me. Thanks. I've never heard it before.


21 Jul 09 - 04:47 PM (#2684770)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Cool Beans

Well, then, here's the rest of it:


I used to go out on a spree and say that I was sick.
My boss, he never doubted me, it always did the trick.
Last time that I tried it, though, he said now you're all wet.
I saw you at the ballgame on my television set.

CHORUS

I went out to wrestling match, it really was a fight.
I got so excited I grabbed somebody tight.
It was the girl right next to me up in the mezzanine.
My wife she saw us wrestling on her television screen.

CHORUS

I used to sing my cowboy songs upon the radio
My horse and I were riding high but now we're mighty low.
Since televison came along I lost my job, of course.
When they saw what I looked like, they just signed up the horse.

CHORUS and out


21 Jul 09 - 04:49 PM (#2684772)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Peace

Thank you so very much. THAT is one fine song, CB. I hope someday to hear you sing it.


21 Jul 09 - 04:53 PM (#2684775)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Peace

Biography of 'Zeke' here.


22 Jul 09 - 01:27 PM (#2685381)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Cool Beans

Quite a life Zeke had. Love the part about the Malibu hillbillies. Thanks for the enlightenment, Peace. "Television" is on my forthcoming (September) CD and I'll send you one. PM me with your mailing address.


22 Jul 09 - 02:12 PM (#2685410)
Subject: RE: Who wrote 'Television' (Snuffy Jenkins)?
From: Mary Katherine

Also recorded by Tom Ball & Kenny Sultan some years back. They (or someone) added a then-contemporary reference to the then-popular tv show "Dallas."