Topic: Bumble Bee

[Richard]

I was asked by a keen blues player friend of mine if  I had the lyrics to Bumble Bee but from the standpoint of a male singer, as the most common version is Memphis Minnie's - I think it was also recorded by Amos Easton and\or Georgia Tom.

Would anyone be able to help?

[Slack]

Hi Richard, a couple of thoughts - tell your friend to get secure in his sexuality and just sing the orignial! - I mean if Mance Lipscomb can sing Bumble Bee, surely your friend can! 

Since he may not like smart-aleck option number one. He could take Memphis Minnie's "New Bumble Bee", which is easier to convert, as there is no 'stinger as long as my right arm' to work around, a major stumbling block.  Just convert the he to she and go with it:

I got a bumble bee, don't sting nobody but me
I got a bumble bee, don't sting nobody but me
And I tell the world, she got all the stinger I need

And she makes better honey, any bumble bee I ever see
And she makes better honey, any bumble bee I ever see
And when she makes it, oh how she make me scream

She get to flyin' & buzzin', stingin' everybody she meet
She get to flyin' & buzzin', stingin' everybody she meet
Lord I wonder why, my bumble bee wanna mistreat me

Mmmmmmmmmm, where my bumble bee gone?
Mmmmmmmmmm, wonder where's my bumble bee gone?
I been lookin' for her, my bumble bee so long so long

My bumble bee got ways, just like a natural woman
My bumble bee got ways, just like a natural woman
She's stingin' somebody, everywhere she land

Ah, one more option - tell him to sing the "Venus Flytrap Blues" instead. 

Cheers,
slack

[Richard]

Forever the gentleman, thankyou I shall pass it on 

[Johnm]

Hi Richard,
Bo Carter did a great version too, as "I'm An Old Bumble Bee", that is worth checking out.
All best,
Johnm

[Richard]

Thanks, I'd forgotten Bo Carter - I'll have a listen and compare to Minnie.

[Slack]

Richard, for convenience, you could go to the Weenie Juke, select Playlist and Requests, search for Bumble Bee, and request Bo Carter's version.  I also see a version by the Memphis Jug Band.

Cheers,
slack

[Richard]

Ah, I see there is no possible escape from the Juke   

Actually, I have the two tracks you mention except that I had forgotten I had the MJB one   

Whoops!

 

[blueshome]

? Hey John,

Does this mean you are going to teach Bumble Bee at Exeter? Then there will be no excuse for Richard not getting up and singing it!

[Richard]

Buzz off

He he he.