Note: These resources have been gathered over many years. Some of the links may no longer work. Please be patient. We are continually fixing them.
There are many songs about stuttering — check the list at SSS. Probably the best known song about stuttering is "K-K-K-Katy" — see its entry below. Oddly enough,the subject of the song, Katie Richardson, didn't stutter — probably the stuttering in the song was simply a device to make the words fit the music. Many modern day song writers do the same thing, for example The Reflex by Duran Duran, My Generation by The Who, Barbra Ann by The Beach Boys, Foolin' by Def Leppard, and many others.
It is strange when stuttering becomes part of a song since music is usually considered a "fluency enhancer" for people who stutter. That means, when they sing, many (but not all) people who stutter become totally fluent. The first person in recorded history who is said to have noted the fact that stutterers are fluent when they sing is the English composer William Byrd (1543-1623), master of music of the Chapel Royal of Queen Elizabeth I. (posted to a stuttering mailing list by Pierre B, October 15, 2001). Healey and Mallard discovered (Healey EC, Mallard AR 3rd, Adams MR., Factors contributing to the reduction of stuttering during singing, J Speech Hear Res. 1976 Sep;19(3):475-80) that for the people in their study, sung lyrics were always more fluent than spoken lyrics and it didn't even matter if the person could carry a tune or not. The effects of singing, even in a monotone or off key, made them more fluent.
Perhaps it was because they were fluent when they sang that several people who stutter have made singing a career — examples are Mel Tellis, Robert Merrill, Gareth Gates, and Carly Simon.
There are at least four examples of people who stutter who have written about their stuttering in their songs. One was a hymn writer, William Cowper, who wrote "There is a Fountain" in 1771. Here is one of the verses in this hymn.
Three contemporary professional singers, with distinctly different musical styles, do not stutter when they sing, but they have written and performed songs that talk about their stuttering. Frankie Jones and Jason Gray have both given permission for the performance of their songs about stuttering to be online here. The song by John "Scatman" Larkin is online with the permission of his widow, Judy Larkin.
Jason Gray is an independent artist who was named one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans for 2003 by The Minnesota Junior Chamber (Jaycees) which honors individuals between the ages of 21-39 who are making an impact in their communities. Jason was recognized for his achievements in voluntary service, cultural achievement and moral and religious leadership. Jason is a nationally known Christian music artist who has been featured on television programs like "Straight Talk For Teens." He continues to devote his time to young people with organizations like Youth Frontiers and is a communicator and spiritual retreat leader for all ages, speaking on topics ranging from Christian growth, the arts, overcoming handicaps (Jason is a person who stutters) to hope for those who struggle with depression. Jason was also featured on "Ten Independent Artists You Should Know" by Russ Breimeier at ChristianityToday.com. Jason and his wife Taya are parents of four boys. Here is his website. The song below is from his CD, The Singer and The Song, by Jason Gray, available through Now and Then Records, c/o Jason Gray, P.O. Box 17, Eagle Lake, MN.,56024-0017. Jason said,
I stutter. In this song, I have tried to express the pain, fears, and frustrations of this condition. A little background on some of the reference may help you better appreciate the song.
One of the hardest things I've had to deal with as a stutterer is the phone. Several times when I've called someone and had difficulties speaking, I've been mistaken for a prank caller or been made fun of, thus the "person on the other end of my receiver" line. Also, after a show once, someone came to me and asked it I was aware that it was actually called the "rock" of Gibraltar. But when a stutterer gets hung up on a word it's called a block, thus the "block of Gibraltar" line. I always feel compelled to clarify this since I want the public to know just how clever of a songwriter I really am.
Although it is a very specific song about a very specific ailment, I believe its longing is universal, and therefore I wish to dedicate this song to all of those who feel that the thorn in their flesh can and does from time to time inhibit them from being completely who, in their hearts and dreams, they truly are. I am compelled to believe that they will all find, hopefully sooner than later, sweet relief. Until then, we would do well to be honest about our pain and perhaps even cry a little if need be. Until then, His grace must be sufficient.
Listen to "Sweet Relief"
what's that why do you laugh at me
as if i'm some kind of fool
well yes i am a fool indeed
but not for what you might believe
and i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for sweet relief
oh to speak with the tongue of an angel
or maybe just mere man
or even just to have the person on the other end
of my receiver understand
that i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for sweet relief
i did not choose to talk this way
i had no say in the matter
i am innocent of the part i might have played
and there's so much more i am dying to say
please don't make me repeat myself
once was bad enough
"look at the bright side, son, it keeps you humble
it builds your character and makes you tough"
nonetheless i'm still waiting
all the same i'm still praying for sweet relief
my tongue is tied and the cat's got it, too
my mind is on fire
i'm trapped under the block of gibraltar
and i just want to tell you
that i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for sweet relief
oh yes i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for our sweet relief
© 2004 Jason Gray, all rights reserved
Frankie Jones is a 25 year old music producer living in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is a person who stutters and is active in the National Stuttering Association at a local and national level. He has presented workshops with children and teens who stutter and performed at NSA conventions. What has always bothered Frankie most about his stuttering is the un-answerable question "Why?" Using music to channel both frustration and inspiration has become his unique style of storytelling. The Man In The Mirror is from Frankie's album, "Rightfully Spoken," available through the NSA bookstore and reproduced here with Frankie's permission.
Listen to "The Man in the Mirror"
Won't you tell me who's to blame for my stuttered speech?
some say genetic; others say it's caused by hectic lifestyles...
faget it;
nobody understands the true meaning;
give me books and videos, but I still find myself screamin';
for a answer; that it seems I cannot find by myself;
so I found Dr. Healey and begged for his help;
pain in my heart sometimes I've gotta let go;
and if you listen real close, you might hear my crushed soul;
Now they wanna know...what a block feels like;
It's like in the middle of your sentence somebody grabs your windpipe;
your jaw locks, you can't breath ..your heads spun out;
And all this madness caused from a word that you trying to pronounce;
Now in the early days when people had problems that didn't seem norm;
they called em curses because ...they had no answers for'em;
that's what this is... my own true curse;
when I look in the mirror...I tell him it hurts.
I wanna show the world I stutter, but I know what you'd say;
So when we have conversations, sometimes I look away;
I don't wanna see your reaction on the way that I look;
and the pain you read this moment is hard to hold in a book;
Sometimes I stutter hard y'all, right from the very beginnin';
I know what I'm gone say, you don't have to finish my sentence;
I stand before you with ease, don't let it fool ya;
I'm a stutterer for the rest of life, I'm scared of my future;
Chorus.
This is the way that I talk, I can't help who I am;
And if I could, I wouldn't change who I am;
Now if you've never stuttered you may not understand;
I hated the man in the mirror;
Now I accept who I am.
((REPEAT))
This is why I make music; it comes so easy to do it;
I write a song everyday; because I love to be fluent;
I got dreams to achieve; and it's time to go get em;
I speak my words out loud y'all, hope that you feel em;
talking in public places?; I would leave it alone;
when I stayed home; I won't even answer the phone;
I was afraid of what might happen when I pick up;
so many pauses in my voice the other end would just hang up;
Tears would roll slowly down my cheeks;
run to bed and curl myself up in my sheets;
trying to figure out this disability;
....yeah, I played it off;
but on the inside y'all it was killing me;
are you feeling me?; or am I just one of a kind?;
I don't think so, anyone who stutters should feel this rhyme;
see in time; I learned to be stronger about my situation;
now I use tools to help my motivation;
continuos phonation; as I speak out my sentence;
from an easy onset I used back in the beginnin';
I'm tellin' you...nothing is impossible to achieve;
just look at me..living proof of what happens; if you believe.
Chorus.
This is the way that I talk, I can't help who I am;
And if I could, I wouldn't change who I am;
Now if you've never stuttered you may not understand;
I hated the man in the mirror;
Now I accept who I am.
((REPEAT))
Sometimes I feel less than worthy;
crying to myself because it hurts me;
as my mind replays the faces of those who heard me;
my head jumbles back, and the first syllable is repeated;
I got something to say.....I..I I I...I just can't speak it;
It's like something inside holds me back;
well would you please let go, and could I please have my voice back!!;
living as a man today, I just wanna live good;
still having the effects from a wounded childhood;
everyday I was laughed at, I reached a point I couldn't take the pain;
so in junior high, I just used my middle name;
I even made imaginary friends just for me;
so when I spoke, no one would laugh at me;
Then one day, I found a way;
to live my wish- I sing a song....I been writing ever since;
See when I'm rappin', I'm something else; I'm not myself;
but through this music, I've found a way to love myself;
so here I am now living out a new today;
I'd like to thank you for the invite to the NSA convention;
rapping loud-for all of you to listen;
to the story which I shared for the parents down to the children;
but let me leave you with one note; one final quote;
when your at home and your feeling down on your hope;
you find a mirror, bring all your pain leave none aside;
look into your eyes and repeat my lines...
Chorus.
This is the way that I talk, I can't help who I am;
And if I could, I wouldn't change who I am;
Now if you've never stuttered you may not understand;
I hated the man in the mirror;
Now I accept who I am.
This is the way that I talk, I can't help who I am;
And if I could, I wouldn't change who I am;
Now if you've never stuttered you may not understand;
I hated the man in the mirror;
But now I LOVE who I am.
© 2004 Frankie Jones, all rights reserved
The following "Rap" by Frankie Jones is added here with permission.
VERSE 1
Imagine loosin' every friend you've ever had;
your role model, doesn't even like your music, and he happens to be
your dad;
yeah, that's bad;
but it gets worse;
I've stuttered since I was little, so everytime I speak, I'm fightin'
with a curse;
non-stutterers, you don't know my pain;
how could you?;
if you could taste the struggle for one day........would you?;
My heart will forever be with the NSA children;
and I must watch my words close because I know that they listen;
They make fun of the way you talk? baby I know what they do to ya;
I'm 25 years old and stand scared of my future;
crying through these songs, is the way that I vent;
and I write my verses so hard, I leave the pens bent;
so if it's heaven sent;
then please show me a sign;
I've deleted all darkness from my lyrical rhymes;
you should share that you stutter, like you share your religion;
there is nothing to shame, so let yourself out that prison!!!;
We may stutter in different ways, yet we share the same secrets;
keeping the way we truly talk hidden so the world would never see it;
well, believe it or not- but you can take it from me;
the day you no-longer hide your speech, is the day you are free;
never too old or young, for lessons to be learned;
although it seems, respect is given.... respect is earned;
you may have never thought stuttering could get this deep;
well I've come tonight to show you just how dark it can be;
CHORUS:
A Day in my Shoes;
So you can see what I live through;
It's time to show the world, bring your family and friends too;
for too many years, I shamed the way that I talked;
Now follow me!!!!! and we can make it out the dark baby!!!;
(((((REPEAT)))))
VERSE 2:
Is there anyone out there that can help me?;
loan me some strength so I can make it through;
so when I'm talking covert, help me out the whole I fall into;
Fears of embarrassment, visions of being mocked as a kid;
substitute my words, frustration, explains the life that I live;
I'm so focused on fluency, I don't even say what I mean;
but when I fight through my blocks, I don't like what you see;
my head jumbles, my mouth twist, our eyes loose contact;
I watch you talk so easy and wonder......how can you do that?;
we take for granted what we don't struggle for;
the conference gave me a taste of new freedom;
now I'm looking for more;
You see now I speak my mind y'all; and I swear that I love it;
If I stutter- I stutter, no longer will I be afraid of your
judgments!!;
My story's no different than yours;
it's only in rhymes and beats;
as I stand before you; a man with disfluent speech;
wondering and thinking, why is the reason I talk this way?;
put my songs in a bag and sent them out through the U.S of A;
As a child I was laughed at, and that feeling brought anger;
I was afraid to talk, so it was hard to make friends out of strangers;
and who am I?;
My name is Frankie Jones;
I've stuttered all my life, welcome to my song;
my father, my childhood hero, don't think he saw the same;
because when I spoke to him, his eyes told me he was ashamed;
but who's to blame, huh?;
some say it's genetic;
You don't have to understand my speech, I just ask that you RESPECT
IT!!!;
CHORUS:
A Day in my Shoes;
So you can see what I live through;
It's time to show the world, bring your family and friends too;
for too many years, I shamed the way that I talked;
Now follow me!!!!! and we can make it out the dark baby!!!;
(((((((REPEAT)))))))
VERSE 3:
If you've ever had a hard time speaking, then you will understand
these painful minutes;
And if I loose you, I'll bring it back from beginnin';
All my life I've been ashamed of my speech;
there was levels of living, I thought I would never reach;
I've always been thankful, yet I kept to myself;
Am I making new friends?, Moma, I'm scared to introduce myself;
friendship with the boy who stuttered, come on, how could that last?;
because when I talked to my friends, I watched how they laughed;
and I never let them see me hurt, I just held it inside;
Until I held it so long, that my eyes where forced to cry;
and this only made matters worse, because now they knew how to get to
me;
I remember squeezin' my Moma and asking, " Why do they pick on me!!!!"
I've been scared for so long, how do you spell courage?;
I'm faking my strength because my hopes have been buried;
in doubts and disbeliefs, how dare you not support me;
they write songs for money, I write songs for you and me;
I wanna be free;
from this prison I was born into years ago;
even if I have good behavior, stuttering will never let me go;
so here I stand, trapped in nightmares and disconfusion;
I appear to be strong now...do not believe this illusion!!;
I fought the world, never took time to ask why they hate me;
before I go to sleep, I pray my angels save me;
total confidence in myself, everyday I seek this;
yeah, you hurt me with your words, but you will never see my weakness;
so called friends, they left me on the spot;
now I've gotta stay strong, because see now...I'm all I've got;
and if I quit now, then my story ends here tonight;
I wont let that happen!!!!;
so I speak my words with all my might!!!;
wrong or right;
this is the hand, that life has dealt me;
and before it's over y'all;
I just hope that you felt me;
I gave up everything I believed in!!!!!;
I'm crying to the Man in the Mirror, he's looking back at me with a
grin;
CHORUS:
A Day in my Shoes;
So you can see what I live through;
It's time to show the world, bring your family and friends too;
for too many years, I shamed the way that I talked;
Now follow me!!!!! and we can make it out the dark baby!!!;
(((((REPEAT)))))
By Frankie Jones Copyright 2003
Musician John "Scatman" Larkin passed away December 3, 1999, at his home in California. He was born March 13, 1942. John, a person who stuttered, was known for his "scatsinging." Professionally he was best known for his successful recordings in Europe on the BMG/RCA label. His first single, "Scatman" was recorded September 1994 and released in Germany December 1994. John was named "Best New International Artist of the Year" in Japan and received the German "ECHO" award for foreign artists. He also received awards from Italy, France, Poland, Hong Kong and elsewhere. Some of his work is still available through this bookstore site. http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Bookstore/Bookstore.html. His love for and work with the international community of people who stutter is a major part of John's legacy.
Listen to "I'm the Scatman"
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I'm the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I'm the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don't let nothin' hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it so can you.
Everybody's sayin' that the Scatman stutters
But doesn't ever stutter when he sings.
But what you don't know I'm gonna tell you right now
That the stutter and the scat is the same thing.
Yo I'm the Scatman.
Where's the Scatman? I'm the Scatman.
Why should we be pleasin' all the politician heathens
Who would try to change the seasons if the could?
The state of the condition insults my intuitions
And it only makes me crazy and my heart like wood.
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don't let nothin' hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.
I'm the Scatman.
(Scatting by Scatman John)
Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don't let nothin' hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.
I'm the Scatman.
I hear you all ask 'bout the meaning of scat.
Well I'm the professor and all I can tell you is
While you're still sleepin' the saints are still weepin' cause
Things you call dead haven't yet had the chance to be born.
I'm the Scatman.
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I'm the Scatman....repeat after me
It's a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
I'm the Scatman....repeat after me
It's a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
(Scatting by Scatman John)
©2004 Judy Larkin, all rights reserved
Several years ago, John wrote the following information about, "I'm the Scatman."
"Two of the four verses to "Scatman" deal directly with stuttering....they are:
The words are intended for kids and youth.
The first verse simply says that we all have problems; and with the courage to accept yourself just as you are and deal with those problems, you can have a good life and a stronger life as the very result of having those problems....and if I can get on with my life, so can you.
The second verse says that the stutter and the scat are the very same thing....by that I mean that the biggest influence to my scatsinging has been my stutter.
My scatsinging is unique......because I stutter.....therefore my greatest problem has become my greatest asset."
In December of 1997, John, whose email address was Hapnintwo, sent Holiday greetings to several people. Although he did not live to see the new century, he did have a vision of the times ahead that I'm sure he'd want to share with you:
"Hello my friends,
In about 730+ days we will arrive at the year 2000.
A new century......A new age......A new beginning. In the last few years I have been given the opportunity to see first hand how our world community of people who stutter is moving more and more into oneness.
I have seen new organizations like the International Stuttering Association spring into existence for the purpose of serving and expediting that growing oneness.
I have seen how fast new information and hope can spread through the media and through internet communications.
This is a new time. This is a wonderful time for a pws. We have moved out of the dark into the light. We can feel connected in a way that has never been possible before. We are no longer alone. The world community has advanced a milestone in a short time.........But this is only the beginning.
It is most important that we remember that there are many more of us out in the world who are still "victimized" by their stuttering and that perhaps it is our responsibility to try to give back some of this wonderful gift that we have been given.......by trying to help any way we can.
Thank you all for what you have given me.
I want to wish you all the very best for your future.
Yours,
John Larkin"
Read more information about, and tributes to John Larkin here.
Undoubtedly the best known song about stuttering is "K-K-K-Katy," from Songs of World War I, by Billy Murray, 1917.
On October 23, 1998, I received he following information from Dr. W.F.Rannie, Department of Geography, University of Winnipeg in Canada. This is what he reported, under the subject heading History of K-K-K-Katy. It is included here with permission.
I thought you might be interested in some additional info about the song K-K-K-Katy, undoubtedly the most famous stuttering song.
The Katie in the song was my grandmother, Katherine Gertrude Craig of Kingston, Ontario (whose married name was Katherine Richardson by the time the song was written); she was known as Kate. It was composed spontaneously at a party at Kate Richardson's house in Kingston in 1917. "Katie" was the best friend of Geoffrey O'Hara's sister, Kathleen, who married Katie's brother (thus making her Geoffrey O'Hara's sister's sister-in-law). The finished version of the song was first played at a garden party fund-raiser for the Red Cross at a cottage in Collins Bay on Lake Ontario just west of Kingston. I have a 1918 edition of the sheet music on which is printed above the title "Lovingly dedicated to K-K-K-Katy Richardson who inspired this song." There is no recollection in the family as to how the stuttering motif came to be — certainly Katie Richardson didn't stutter but perhaps someone known to the group around the piano did, or more likely it was simply a device to make the words scan to the music.
Katie Craig-Richardson died in 1922, leaving two very young daughters — Kathleen E. Rannie (my mother named after O'Hara's sister and living in Beamsville, Ontario) and Katharine Jean Richardson (my aunt still living in Kingston). Geoffrey O'Hara was originally from Chatham, Ontario, taught music at Columbia University and the University of South Dakota, and died in Florida on January 31, 1967, at age 84. During his career, he composed a great many songs, mostly hymns and other sacred music, but none so far as I know have lasted like K-K-K-Katy.
An mp3 audio file of K-K-K-Katy performed by Billy Murray is online.
Help solve a mystery On June 1, 2015, Jeanine Dumas Fetterly wrote "I believe the woman who posed for the picture on the cover of the sheet music was my grandmother, Jeanette Dumas. Mimi, her nickname, always said she was on the cover of some sheet music. When she died 30 years ago I inherited a copy of the sheet music K-K-K-Katy. I found it recently. I can't imagine why she would have kept it all these years if the picture was not her. But for myself, my children and my grandchildren, I'd like to know if anyone could verify this - or prove or claim that it was of someone else. Mimi spent time in NYC about the time the song was written and had a large circle of artistic friends. Does anyone know who the artist was who did the cover painting? Below is a photo of the music cover and of my grandmother." Contact : Jeanine Dumas Fetterly, jfetterly@sbcglobal.net, 510-654-6484 - Oakland, CA
Jimmy was a soldier brave and bold,
Katy was a maid with hair of gold,
Like an act of fate,
Kate was standing at the gate,
Watching all the boys on dress parade,
Jimmy with the girls was just a gawk,
Stuttered ev'ry time he tried to talk,
Still that night at eight,
He was there at Katy's gate,
Stuttering to her this love sick cry.
K-K-K-Katy, beautiful Katy,
You're the only g-g-g-girl that I adore;
When the m-m-m-moon shines,
Over the cowshed,
I'll be waiting at the k-k-k-kitchen door.
No one ever looked so nice and neat,
No one could be just as cute and sweet,
That's what Jimmy thought,
When the wedding ring he bought,
Now he's off to France the foe to meet.
Jimmy thought he'd like to take a chance,
See if he could make the Kaiser dance,
Stepping to a tune,
All about the silv'ry moon,
This is what they hear in far off France.
K-K-K-Katy, beautiful Katy,
You're the only g-g-g-girl that I adore;
When the m-m-m-moon shines,
Over the cowshed,
I'll be waiting at the k-k-k-kitchen door.
The Daughter of K-K-K Katy Loves a Nephew of Uncle Sam by Frank Crumit and others
[Chorus:]
So kiss me again
Cause only you can stop this stut-stut-stut-stuttering
Kiss me again
And ease my su-su su-su su-su s-su-s-suffering
[Verse 2:]
I know I know
it's so it's so sy-sy-symbolic of everything
Everything that's wrong with me and you
So tell me what I'm supposed to do
Oh it's been ages since we've been really honest
but I can make ch-ch-ch-changes if you really want this
[Chorus]
So kiss me again
Cause only you can stop this stut-stut-stut-stuttering
Kiss me again
And ease my su-su su-su su-su s-su-s-suffering
Kiss me again
Cause only you can stop this stut-stut-stut-stut-stuttering
Kiss me again
And ease my su-su su-su su-su s-su-s-suffering
He'd call on a girl named Helen,
Most ev'ry day
He'd start signin' like a dyin'
calf and then he'd say:
Oh H-H-Hel
Oh H-H-Hel
Oh Helen please be mine
Your f-f-feat
Your f-f-feat
Your features are divine
I s-s-swear
I s-s-swear
I swear I will be true
Oh D-D-Dam
Oh D-D-Dam
Oh Damsel I love you
Helen's daddy knocked him silly
Ripping mad, he went for Willy
Thought him profane
Nearly went insane
But when Willy Meek explained it
It was all right
Now her father doesn't bother
When he says each night:
Oh H-H-Hel
Oh H-H-Hel
Oh Helen please be mine
You s-s-simp
You s-s-simp
You simply are divine
You m-m-mud
You m-m-mud
You muddle me it's true
Oh D-D-Dam
Oh D-D-Dam
Oh Damsel I love you
Stuttering Jasper was written by Robt. Cohn. New York, NY: F.A. Mills, Music Publisher, 1899. Find it here. It was considered cakewalk music, "an important and likely necessary precursor in the late 1800's to the development of classic ragtime piano music. Although cakewalks and ragtime piano are technically distinct styles of music, they are often lumped together due to their similarities in origin and influences. ... the cakewalk as a distinct music and dance style had its formal beginning in the 1870's and reached its peak of popularity at the end of the 19th century and early 20th century. Unlike classic piano ragtime, cakewalk music was meant to be danced to and often performed by a small orchestra or band. Although cakewalks were generally lightly syncopated, their melodies and harmonies were generally not as sophisticated as those found later in the classic rags of Joplin, Scott and Lamb." Read more here.
The words to "You Tell Her I Stutter" were written by Billy Rose and the music was written by Cliff Friend and recorded by Billy Murray. The song is about a young man who wants to propose, but asks the girl's brother to do it for him because he stutters. It was Friend's first "hit" and was recorded in 1922. The lyrics to the song were sent by Jeff Shames. Mickey Bo wrote that the song was updated in 1956 by rockabilly artist Jimmy Lee Prow on the King label and is
This is an Irish song about a couple of teenagers who were supposed to be minding a flock of geese. The one who stutters is the narrator, not the lovers. The tune is probably in almost any printed collection of Irish music-hall songs, and The Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem recorded it. Posted by LH on Stutt-X, March 18, 1997
Now up comes a bonny wee lass
And she was one so fair,
And she went into the poor man's corn
To see if the birds were the-the-the-the-there my boys
to see if the birds were there.
And up comes a bony young lad
And he was handsome and strong,
And he went into the poor man's corn
To see where the birds had go-go-go-go-gone, my boys
To see where the birds had gone.
He kissed her once and he kissed her twice
And he kissed her under the chin,
"You mustn't be kissin' this bonny wee lass,
I fear it is a si-si-si-si-sin," she says,
"I fear it is a sin!"
Then up comes the poor old man,
and he was all tattered and torn,
"If that's the way of mindin' the birds,
I'll do it meself in the mo-mo-mo-mo-morn," he says
I'll do it meself in the morn!"
Vicki Schutter writes: Did you ever have to sing a song called "Little Willy" when you were in elementary school? I did, and it went something like this:
Another version of this song was sent by Birdie Loughmiller (personal correspondence - dec 21, 2003) who said, "My mom sang a stutter song to me when I was a kid in the 60's It goes:
The following two songs were found in the searchable index of the Digital Tradition Folk Song Database
There once was a man from Calcutta,
Who had an unfortunate stutter.
He-e said pa pa pa pa ple-ase pass the cha cha cha cha cha cheese
And the bu bu bu bu bu . . . bu bu butter.
In the town of Ballybay, there was a lassie dwellin'
I knew her very well, and her story's worth-a-tellin'.
Her father kept a still, and he was a good distiller,
But when she took to the drinkin' what the devil wouldn't fill 'er.
Wish me ring-a-ding-a-dong, a-ring-a-ding-a-derrio,
A-ring-a-ding-a-dong, whack fol' the derrio.
And she said she couldn't dance, unless she had her welly on,
But when she had it on, she could dance as well as anyone.
She wouldn't go to bed, unless she had her shimmy on,
But when she had it on, she would go to bed with anyone.
Chorus (Wish me ring...)
Well she had a wooden leg, it was hollow down the middle,
And she used to tie a string on it and play it like a fiddle.
She fiddled in the hall, she fiddled in the alleyway,
She didn't give a damn, she had to fiddle anyway.
Chorus
She had lovers by the score, every Tom and Dick and Harry,
She was courted night and day, but still she wouldn't marry.
And then she fell in love with a fella with a stammer,
When he tried to run away, she hit him with a hammer.
Chorus
They had children by the score, they had children by the byer,
And another ten or twelve sittin' growin' by the fire.
She fed 'em on potatas and on soup she made from nettles,
And on lumps of hairy bacon that she boiled up in the kettle.
Chorus
So she led a sheltered life, eatin' porridge and black puddin'
And she terrorized her man, until he died right sudden.
And when her fella died, she was feelin' kinda sorry,
So she rolled him in a sheet, and she threw him in the quarry.
Chorus
Well, the woman that I love, she's got a hook in her nose
Her eyebrows meet, she wears second-hand clothes
She speaks with a stutter and she walks with a hop
Don't know why I love her, but I just can't stop
You know I love her, yeah I love her
I'm in love with the ugliest girl in the world
If I ever lose her I'll go insane
I go half crazy when she call's my name
She says ba..ba..baby I lo..lo..love you
There ain't nothing in the world that I wouldn't do
You know I love her, yeah I love her
I'm in love with the ugliest girl in the world
The woman that I love she got two flat feet
Her knees knock together walking down the street
She cracks her knuckles and she snores in bed
She ain't much too look at, but like I said
I love her, yeah I love her
I'm in love with the ugliest girl in the world
I don't mean to say that she got nothing going
She's got a weird sense of humor that's all her own
When I get low she sets me on my feet
Got a five inch smile, but her breath is sweet
You know I love her, yeah I love her
I'm in love with the ugliest girl in the world
The woman that I love, she's got a hook in her nose
Her eyebrows meet, she wears second-hand clothes
She speaks with a stutter and she walks with a hop
Don't know why I love her, but I just can't stop
I know I love her, yeah I love her
I'm in love with the ugliest girl in the world
Bill Fabian's Real Audio Page for People Who Stutter included an audio clip from "Stuttering Blues" by the Five Scamps, recorded for Okeh records in 1951, and never released.
Transcribed Lyrics for Stuttering Blues, from Maura Alia Bramkamp
Mitch from Michigan sent the lyrics of this song and reports that "Stutter Rap was a hilarious spoof of the Beastie Boys' 'No sleep till Brooklyn, except it's all about stuttering. This trio released the song in the late 80s and was quite popular in the UK at the time."
Now hey there people, won't you lend an ear?
'cause I've a story to tell and I'm telling it here
I was born in a town in the great UK
From a baby to a boy to a man today
And I'm a musical man, and I'm a man of verse
But I've got a little problem and it's getting worse
Well my life was so well planned
Survivin' and a-jivin' in a f-f-funk band
'cause rappin', it's my, bread and butter
But it's hard to rap when you're born with a st-st-st, st, st-st, st,
st-t, st-t, stutter!
Well no-one's ever seen what I mean
From the age of n-n-n-n-n-n-thirteen
We've all been caught in a m-m-mouth trap
So join with us and do the st-st-st-st-st-st-st-stutter rap
Well it was '82 when I joined the boys
And I was hip, and I was cool, but now I've lost my poise
The kids, our fans, are starting to doubt
When you open your mouth and nothing comes out
And it breaks my heart that we're not on the chart
'cause the record's nearly over when the vocals start
And I'm down and out, and I'm down on my luck
And I'm livin' on my own and I'm dying for a fr-riend to say "You're
great!"
But I'm under the hammer
'cause all I seem to do is s-s-s-st-
Come on man!
s-s-s-st-stammer!
Well no-one's ever seen what I mean
From the age of n-n-n-n-n-n-thirteen
We've all been caught in a m-m-mouth trap
So join with us and do the st-st-st-st-st-st-st-stutter rap
Neighbours
Well interviewers turn away
Who wants to be covered with spray?
Talkin' to me for more than an hour
Is equivalent to an April shower
It's tough! Tough! Tougher than tough!
It's worse than Benny Hill and that's bad enough!
Something must be wrong with your vocal technique
When the twelve inch mix goes on for a week
I was rappin' in my club the other night
When nothin' I said was comin' out right
The crowd got angry, and this one man
He was gonna throw a bottle
He was gonna chuck a can, chuck a can, chuck it, chuck it, chuck it,
chuck it
Well no-one's ever seen what I mean
From the age of n-n-n-n-n-n-thirteen
We've all been caught in a m-m-mouth trap
So join with us and do the st-st-st-st-st-st-st-stutter rap
N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-N-NO, NEED, FOR SHOUTING!
W-w-w-w-why's that then?
Well, you'll wake Mr Whittaker at number thirty-two
Besides, it's not very good for the voice
(An amplifier or similar shorts out)
Uuhhh!
That's a bit harsh isn't it?
NO, SLEEP, 'TIL BEDTIME!
Talking of which it's ten-thirty already!
Is it? Ooooh!
What time do they stay up 'til in America?
(I mean)
Oh, very late. Sometimes quarter to eleven
(Ahhhh)
Well actually I've heard in New York they sometimes even stay up 'til midnight
No! No wonder they do all that shouting
(I mean)
Yes, they must be very snappy and irritable
That's right
(Ahhhh)
Do you know, I heard a story that those Toastie Boys stayed up 'til
quarter past twelve!
Really? Well that's just silly!
They're just gonna get burnt out
Burnt out!
Well no-one's ever seen what I mean
From the age of n-n-n-n-n-n-thirteen
We've all been caught in a m-m-mouth trap
So join with us and do the st-st-st-st-st-st-st-stutter rap
Well no-one's ever seen what I mean
From the age of n-n-n-n-n-n-thirteen
We've all been caught in a m-m-mouth trap
So join with us and do the st-st-st-st-st-st-st-stutter rap
Well no-one's ever seen what I mean
From the age of n-n-n-n-n-n-thirteen...
(Fades out)
Artist: Joe Album(s): My Name is Joe
Talk to me, tell me, where you were (late last night),
You told me, with yer friends, hanging out (late last night)
,
You lying, cuz you stuttering, now where were you (late last night),
Stop lying to me, cuz you're ticking me off, see you're ticking me off,
oh girl.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I called you, on your cell phone, no answer (tell me why).
So I paged you, on your two-way, still no response (tell me why).
I took care of you, I loved you, and you played me (tell me why).
Stop lying to me about where you been,
Cuz you're ticking me off,
ticking me off.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
It's funny to me, when you lie to me,
You start stuttering, tripping, I caught you, baby.
It's funny to me, when you lie to me,
You start stuttering, tripping, I caught you, baby.
I smell cologne, damn it's strong,
How'd you get it on (I'm not done).
He messed up your hair, makeup's everywhere.
Oh yeah, (I'm not done).
Girl you're crying cuz you're lying to my face (I'm not done).
Stop lying, about sentiment, Cuz you're ticking me off.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
I can tell you're lying, because when you're replying,
Stutter, stutters, stutter, stutters.
Why did I? You should know by now.
I gotta know baby, I just can't keep going on girl.
Oh, get on baby, no love from you.
I hear you lying, I hear you,
Stuttering, stuttering, stuttering, stuttering, stutter, stuttering.
Oh girl, you should leave me alone,
Get the hell on.
William McGee, Jr. added in Stutt-l, May 12, 1999, "What about Will Smith's "Boom! Shake the Room!" off 1993's_Code Red_album by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (their last album before Smith went solo)? If you haven't heard it, Smith raps and stutters at the same time.
Part of one verse of that song goes
Every Friday night I have a place to go
I have a date with Lucky just to talk you know
I've been stuttering ever since I was a little kid
Only 3 years old and still I learned to deal with it
Do do do do do you know
That stuttering is okay
Anytime and anyplace
You can go on all day!
(You you you don't have to be afraid!)
Most people think that it's so embarrassing
But it is not, to me it is a normal thing
I dare to dare the things I never did before
We have lots of fun I can tell you that for sure
Do do do do do you know
That stuttering is okay
Anytime and anyplace
You can go on all day!
(You you you don't have to be afraid!)
When you start to stutter do not panic
Even if you're talking to that pretty chick
Take your time and do it just the way you can.
Even if you thought it wouldn't go, "oh man!"
Do do do do do you know
That stuttering is okay
Anytime and anyplace
You can go on all day!
(You you you don't have to be afraid!)
J. David Williams contributed the following song composed by Win Frear, a member of the University of Iowa Demosthenator Club in 1945-46. He said, "It is sung to the tune of 'Bless 'Em All,' the popular WW-II military ditty. Win's husband was a paratrooper in Italy, and returned to the USA in late 1945. Win was scared that when her husband returned he would probably want a divorce because he intended to stay in the military and would not want a stuttering wife because it would hurt his career as an officer (!). Suffice to say that when he returned to the States, he just laughed at Win's fears, and they stayed happily married."
Bless "em all, bless 'em all
The long and the short and the tall;
We never stutter, we de-mos-then-ate,
People who listen will just have to wait---
'Cause we've got lots to say after all,
And all of us are on the ball.
We'll all stick together
In all kinds of weather---
So cheer up, my lads, bless 'em all!
Lyrics below are from text
And it seems such a waste of time
If that's what it's all about
Mama, If that's movin' up then I'm movin' out.
Mmm, I'm movin' out. Ooh-hoo, uh-huh, mmmm
Sergeant O'Leary is walkin' the beat
At night he becomes a bartender
He works at Mister Cacciatore's down
On Sullivan Street
Across from the medical center
Yeah and he's tradin' in his Chevy for a Cadillacacacacacacacac
You oughta know by now
And if he can't drive
With a broken back
At least he can polish the fenders
And It seems such a waste of time
If that's what it's all about
Mama, If that's movin' up then I'm movin' out.
Mmm, I'm movin' out. Ooh-hoo, uh-huh, mmmm
You should never argue with a crazy mi-mi-mi-mi-mi-mind
You oughta know by now
You can pay Uncle Sam with the overtime
Is that all you get for your money?
And if that's what you have in mind
yeah if that's what you're all about
Good luck movin' up 'cause I'm movin' out.
Mmm, I'm movin' out. Ooh-hoo, uh-huh, mmmm
I'm movin' out...
Lyrics to Jazmine Sullivan's song, Stuttering
Something funny's happening
I'm at a place I've never been
And there's got to be a reason why I'm
Stu- stu- stu- stuttering
Every time you look my way
Something in me feels so strange
And I'm starting to think you are why I'm
Stu- stu- stuttering
I said hel, hel, hel, hello
And my, my, my, my, my name is
And it's so frustrating 'cause I don't wanna let you down
My mind is racing, but it won't come out
Can't believe that I can't talk
But it's not my fault
'Cause there's something that you do that's got me
Stu- stu- stu- stuttering
There's so much that I wanna say
But something's getting in my way
And I gotta figure out how to stop
Stu- stu- stuttering
I said hel, hel, hel, hello
And my, my, my, my, my name is
And it's so frustrating 'cause I don't wanna let you down
My mind is racing, but it won't come out
Try to breathe but I'm suffocating
Just be me but it's complicated
I wanna tell you who I am, where I'm from
Where I go when I wanna be alone
I want you to know me better
Once I get my thoughts together
It should be so easy to tell you how I'm feeling
But I can't stop stuttering
Stuttering, stuttering
Stu- doo doo doo doo doo
Stuttering
I ain't usually lost for words
This has got to be a first
And I'm starting to think you are why I'm
Stu- stu- stu- stuttering
Jessica Sanchez performs Jazmine Sullivan's song "Stuttering"
By Wanda Jackson (Capitol LP CUT, 1960) (suggested by Mickey Bo) - Lyrics from MetroLyrics.
I met him one day at the candy shop
My heart started poppin' like a popcorn pop
When he walked up and said, hi sweety pie
Well, all I could say is neenie-neenie-ny
I get tongue tied, ooh
I get tongue tied, yeah
I went, well ah-ah-ah-bah...
I love you, yeah!
I love him so and he loves me too
He's my flat top honey, stands six feet two
I get an itchy twitchy feeling
When he looks into my eyes
But all I can say is neenie-neenie-ny
I get tongue tied, ooh
I get tongue tied, yeah
I go... oh-wah-eh honey
I love you, yeah!
All I can say is neenie-neenie-ny
I get tongue tied, ooh
I get tongue tied, yeah
I go... oh-wah-eh honey... I wanna say...
[Fade]
Suggested by Mickey Bo. This is the source of the lyrics below.
(Chorus) Mumblin', mumblin', mum-mum
Ninety-nine, nighty-nine-nine, ah-ah
Mumblin', mumblin', mum-mum
Ninety-nine, nighty-nine-nine, woh
I took my girl for a bite to eat
To the little drive-in down the street
Aah, the waitress said 'How do you do?'
She said 'What can I do for you?'
My girl said...
(Repeat chorus)
I got weak and asked for her hand
I even bought a wedding band
And though I'm not the marryin' type
I said c'mon and be my wife
And she said...
(Repeat chorus twice)
A good thing that she stuttered so long
When she finally said 'yes', I was gone
This song is in Pink Floyd's "Division Bell" album. Though they probably never had stuttering in mind, the connection to stuttering is unmistakable.(suggested by Vasu Parameswaran)
It doesn't have to be like this
All we need to do is make sure we keep talking
Re-released by Bobby Lewis (1952 and 1955) (suggested by Mickey Bo)
A song originally from the 1800's.
A song written and sung by Andy Paterson for the BSA's conference in Stirling ( words and pictures available )
Lyrics to this song performed by Jessica Sanchez.
Written by "A friend of ISTAR (Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research) wrote a song that reflected his experience with stuttering."
A song written by the musical staff at Camp Our Time and inspired by the campers. Words and pictures also available.
Some posting on Stutt-L in December 2004, pointed out a bit of controversy over this production. Some of the discussion is here with permission.
From a Looney Tune record. The entire record can be freely downloaded from here
Billy Budd by Benjamin Britten , is an opera based on Hermann Melville's novel by the same name. The main character, Billy, stutters.
Buck Griffin produced "classic Texas Hillbilly bop and Rockabilly (1954-1956) on Lin and M-G-M." All of his songs and bio are featured on Bopping Archive (suggested by Mickey Bo)
Two of the songs from a new CD of music, Time2Talk, designed to to raise awareness of stammering are freely available online
The songs are part of a CD which was produced by children and adults who stammer. The lyrics to all of the songs on the CD are also freely available. The entire CD is available for purchase from the British Stammering Association