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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Feel like jumpin, baby, won't you join me, please?


One of my favorite songs was recorded in 1959 by a singer named Frankie Ford. I remember 1959, but I don't remember the singer or the song from that time.
In 1975, the song was covered by a member of one of my favorite groups of the 70s, CCR's own John Fogerty, but I don't remember him recording Sea Cruise.
The Frankie Ford version became one of my favorite songs in the 1990s, probably because its catchy rhythm and fun lyrics made me feel good when I was having health problems.
Now, having discovered that a truly talented musician like John Fogerty covered the song at a time when Creedence Clearwater Revival (aka CCR) was enjoying worldwide popularity, I suspect he chose it for its rhythm and not for its lyrics. Much as I adore John Fogerty, my favorite rendition of Sea Cruise is still the 1959 Frankie Ford recording.
Another little-known fact about Sea Cruise is: this is the only song I have ever performed in Karaoke, ever, anywhere, at all. I did it, completely sober, in a small country town in British Columbia in the 90s. I was there with a group of women friends, and we were all dressed in 1950s outfits. It was great fun, but I'll never do it again. The only place I sing now is in church, where they can't throw me out!



SEA CRUISE
as recorded by Frankie Ford in 1959






Old Man Rhythm is in my shoes
It's no use a-sittin' and a-singin' the blues
So be my guest, you've got nothin' to lose
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?
Feel like jumpin' - baby, won't you join me, please?
I don't like beggin', but now I'm on bended knees
I got to get to rockin', get my hat off the rack
I got to boogie-woogie like a knife in the back
So be my guest, you've got nothin' to lose
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?
I got to get to movin', baby, I ain't lyin'
My heart is beatin' rhythm and it's right on time
So be my guest, you've got nothin' to lose
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?
Feel like jumpin' - baby, won't you join me, please?
I don't like beggin', but now I'm on bended knees
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Oo-ee, oo-ee baby
Won't you let me take you on a sea cruise?
you might notice the lyrics are somewhat different in
1975 version recorded by John Fogerty


Posted for Hootin' Anni's musical meme, 
Thursday Theme Song.
To see and hear Thursday theme songs chosen by others, please


11 comments:

Unknown said...

Love this song (both the original and the Creedence version, although I agree with you that the original is superior)

For me, it's one of those songs that kind of flies under the radar (it's not on my iPod or anything) but, when someone mentions it, it gets stuck in my head and I'm reminded of what a cool song it is :-)

Kay said...

Oh wow! I remember that song. ;-)

Mara said...

I have never heard of this song before, but then again I was only a small child when John Fogerty first recorded it!

About that cruise though, I wouldn't like to take a cruise in that boat at the top. Where would I put my jammies?

Jo said...

What an interesting post about an "old" song, Kay. I admire you for doing Karaoke. I don't think I would/could. Have a great day. Jo

Cezar and Léia said...

Adorable song and I'm impressed by so wonderful colour, beautiful blue!
Léia

Hootin Anni said...

Oh yes....yes! And Credence Clearwater...saw them in person, live. "Won't you let me take you on a.......sea-a-a-a cruise"!!!

Love it. Love the beautiful photos too.

My Mind's Eye said...

Oh how I wish your version of Sea Cruise had been captured on video....LOL
I love this song, haven't heard it in years. Before long it will be warm (I hope) for a sea cruise.
Madi and Mom

Dominic de Mattos said...

Hi Kay

Thanks for dropping by and for your kind comments on my Haiku (I gather its one of those singular/plural words like sheep and deer).

I have an interesting picture in my head now of you singing oo-ee, oo-ee baby! teehee Thanks for sharing

:Dom

SquirrelQueen said...

Great photos to illustrate the song Kay, especially the first one! The Frankie Ford version is great but the one I remember most was by Sha Na Na.

Through Squirrel Eyes

Unknown said...

What a fun post! And I love that song. Oooo-eee Baby!
Rainey

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Oh, gosh! You took me back in time with this one. Not a bad place to be, either. LOL

LOVE your Lindy! What a sweetheart! We have two rescue dogs...love our furry kids!

Thanks for following me...I followed you right back. :)