I wonder how many of you will remember tonight’s song, I’m Your Puppet, from way back in 1966? Heck, about half of my readers weren’t even born back then, else were still toddling around trying to learn to ask for a cookie!
Written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham, the best known version is the one recorded by James & Bobby Purify which reached #5 on the US R&B chart and #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1966. James & Bobby Purify were an R&B singing duo that originally comprised cousins James Purify and Robert Lee Dickey. It was these two who recorded their biggest hit, I’m Your Puppet in 1966. Dickey retired because of health problems at the end of the decade and James Purify re-recorded the song with a new “Bobby Purify,” Ben Moore in 1976. This time, it was a hit in the UK peaking at #12 and also charting highly in The Netherlands.
According to Robert Dickey, he hated the song …
“I hated it. It was originally intended to be the B-side. But things got changed … I sang it for 23 hours straight (in the studio), that’s why I hate it.”
As to the origins of the song, songwriter Dan Penn recalls …
“We ate dinner at this barbecue place across from Fame studio and then went back. I broke out, this cheap 12–string, cooked up the rhythm, Spooner got behind the piano and the magic happened. Who knows where it came from, but I was walking around singing, ‘The Puppet,’ and we cut the demo right then and there.”
The original James & Bobby Purify followed up this song with three more Hot 100 Top 40 entries, Wish You Didn’t Have to Go, Let Love Come Between Us, and a cover of the Five Du-Tones’ Shake a Tail Feather. After Moore replaced Dickey they had no other big hits, but remained popular on the tour circuit in the 1980s. After Purify retired, Moore went solo but in 1998 he went blind from glaucoma. However, with the encouragement of Ray Charles, he continued performing and recording before joining the gospel band Blind Boys of Alabama in 2005.
I’m Your Puppet
Song by Ben Moore and James
Pull the string and I’ll wink at you
I’m your puppet
I’ll do funny things if you want me to
I’m your puppet
Mm, I’m yours to have and to hold
Darling, you’ve got full control of your puppet
Pull them little strings and I’ll kiss your lips
I’m your puppet
Snap your fingers and I’ll turn you some flips
I’m your puppet
Mm, your every wish is my command
All you got to do is wiggle your little hand
I’m your puppet
I’m your puppet
I’m just a toy, just a funny boy
That makes you laugh when you’re blue
I’ll be wonderful, do just what I’m told
I’ll do anything for you
I’m your puppet
I’m your puppet
Just pull them little strings and I’ll sing you a song
I’m your puppet
Make me do right or make me do wrong
I’m your puppet
Mm, treat me good and I’ll do anything
I’m just a puppet and you hold my string
I’m your puppet
Your walking, talking, kissing, loving puppet
I’m hanging on a string
I’ll do anything, love you ‘n’ kiss ya
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Dan Penn / Spooner Oldham
I’m Your Puppet lyrics © Fame Publishing Co., Inc.
Filosofa's Word 
Hey! They’re playing Trump’s old song to those who attended his rallies.
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Exactly!!!
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I remember the song, but probably from the 1976 version that was a hit here – but maybe the original was played on the pirate radio stations. To be honest, I never liked it!
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Yes, probably so. I was hoping to play both the original from ’66 and the ’76 version, but it was late, I was exhausted, and I couldn’t find a clear-sounding video of the ’76 version. Heh heh … most of the comments either didn’t like it or merely tolerated it, so you’re not alone!
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Good to know…
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I loved the song when I was younger, because that was how I lived my love. I thought I was there to keep my girl happy, and laughing.
It didn’t take too much too long to discover women did not want puppets, but neither did they want overbearing control-freaks.
Be real. Be yourself. (Don’t worry? Be happy? Yech.)
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One of those songs I used to sing along to and still do. I always thought it more Reggae than R & B but it does cross barriers in its appeal. Made my day Jill, thanks.
Cwtch
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Yes, same here … I actually knew many of the words to this one! Was Reggae around in the mid-60s? I don’t really remember hearing of Reggae until sometime in the 70s, but then I never kept up with music trends, just knew what I liked and what I didn’t. I’m so glad I made your day! 😊
Cwtch
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Yes, I remember. Two years out of college and working the first job. I was not fond of the song but didn’t switch stations if it came on either. Thanks, Jill
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The general consensus seems to be that it wasn’t anybody’s favourite, but neither did anybody say they hated it. Was this from when you were a DJ?
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No. I had left the DJ work when I graduated. I was recruited to organized commerce. Funny thing is I returned back to DJ work 30 years later. (While between organized commerce jobs)
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Sounds like Mike Pence’s theme song!!!!!! Yes, I remember the song! I like it!!!! Hope you’re doing okay. Thinking about you…. during these tumultuous times! Big Hug! 💙
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🤣🤣 Oh Patty! You made me nearly choke I was laughing so hard! Good one! I’m hanging in … trying to be angry, but stop short of despair … not always easy these days, is it? I think this blog is my outlet and keeps me from going crazy! Take care, my soul sister … be safe and try to stay sane. Wine helps 🍷. Love you! ❤
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Oh yes, I agree!!!!v 💙 🍷 💙
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Not my fave; but as a teen in the 60’s I only knew the Donny Osmond version for years. To me anything that came out of his mouth was sheer perfection. Lol. Ahhh those days.
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This song seems to have been covered by every artist in the 20th Century! I didn’t realize Donny O had covered it, though! But then, I wasn’t a fan of Donny & Marie! My parents loved them, watched their show every week … that’s probably why I never cared for them … I was a rebellious teen!
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Ha! First of all, I meant the 70’s. In the 60’ I was enjoying my older sisters and parents’ music. I used to watch Donny and Marie with my folks, thankful they like it. But it was really Donny who had my heart. When you’re a fifteen year old dreamer and romantic…David Cassidy, Rick Springfield, Bobby Sherman and so many others. 😊
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Ahhhhh … the good ol’ days.
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