Beach Music Classics

The song was written by Dan Penn and Spooner Oldham and produced by Penn at the FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. In 1966, “I’m Your Puppet” by James & Bobby Purify went to #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the U.S. R&B Chart. A re-recorded version went to #12 in the U.K. in 1976.

James and Bobby Purify were a vocal duo of James Purify and his cousin Robert Lee Dickey. Dickey took the stage name of Bobby Purify. He had previously worked as a guitarist with the Dothan Sextet. “I’m Your Puppet” was their biggest hit, but they also had success with “Shake a Tail Feather” an Let Love Come Between Us.” Dickey retired in 1971. James pursued a solo career until 1974 and then teamed up with Ben Moore, who had worked with Otis Redding and James Brown. Moore took the name Bobby Purify, and he and James toured during the 1980s.

Here are the lyrics to “I’m Your Puppet” by James and Bobby Purify:

“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, treat me good and I’ll do anything
I’m just a puppet and you hold my string,

I’m your puppet, I’m you 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, 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 your walking, talking, kissing, loving puppet
I’m hanging on a string
I’ll do anything, love you ‘n’ kiss ya…”

If you want to read about Beach Music in this era: “The First Wave of Beach Music” and “The Second Wave of Beach Music.” Both are by guest writer Stewart Tick.

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “I’m Your Puppet” by James and Bobby Purify.