Ain’t Got No Frogs…
There’s a new road safety ad telling you to wear something bright at night. This isn’t terribly interesting in itself, but the jingle is sung to the tune of one of the greatest really obscure records ever: Ain’t Got No Home by Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry. Indeed, I believe it’s the record from which that nickname was derived (though he’s best known for his big hit, (I Don’t Know Why I Love You) But I Do).
The first verse and chorus comprise a lament (in bouncy old New Orleans R&B style) about having no place to call home, featuring the line “I’m a lonely boy”. The second verse changes “boy” to “girl”, and Clarence sings it in a high girlish voice. You might be able to guess what’s coming. The third verse is croaked, and Clarence claims to be “a lonely frog”. It is certainly one of the greatest records ever made, and I commend it to your attention.