This is a song I wrote for Blues Harp, composed to the tune of Popeye. It is completely Ad Libitum, as most blues harmonica songs are.

Chorus

Well I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues,
Well I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues,
Can somebody ship me over to Sidney,
‘Cos I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues.

~ 4 bar harp solo ~

Vrs 1

Well I’ve met Dwongo d’Orangutan,
Well I’ve met Dwongo d’Orangutan,
He don’t need pyjamas ‘cos he eats bananas,
Yeah I’ve met Dwongo d’Orangutan,

~ 2 bar harp solo ~

Well I’ve met Isac The Third the Parrot,
Well I’ve met Isac The Third the Parrot,
He keeps all his feathers whatevers the weathers,
Yeah I’ve met Isac The Third the Parrot.

~ 2 bar harp solo ~

Chorus

Well I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues,
Well I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues,
Can somebody ship me over to Sidney,
‘Cos I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues.

~ 4 bar harp solo ~

Vrs 2

Well I’ve met Darwin the Beagle hound,
Well I’ve met Darwin the Beagle hound,
He says, “I’ve been guardin’ this whiskey for someone who misks me”,
Yeah I’ve met Darwin the Beagle hound.

~ 2 bar harp solo ~

Well, I’ve met the lady Olive Oyl in town,
I’ve met the lady Olive Oyl in town,
She says there’s a sailor who never would fail her,
Yeah, I’ve met the lady Olive Oyl in town.

~ 2 bar harp solo ~

Chorus

Well I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues,
Well I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues,
Can somebody ship me over to Sidney,
‘Cos I’m stranded and I’ve got the blues.

~ 4 bar harp solo ~

Vrs 3

Well; I’ve met Popeye the sailor man,
Well, I’ve met Popeye the sailor man,
He’s strong to the finish ‘cos he eats his spinach,
Yeah I’ve met Popeye the sailor man.

Yes, I’ve met Popeye the sailor man,
He says, “If you’re stranded I’ll lend ye a hand,
I’m strong to the finish ‘cos I eats me spinach,
Yes, I’m Popeye the sailor man.”

~ 4 bar harp solo ~
~~ FIN ~~

As you may know, I am not partial to recording my performances. I do however think it would be a wonderful adventure if some or any of my readers would like to give this song a workout on their own harmonica.

You would be more than welcome and I’d really enjoy hearing all the different improvisational renditions. If you feel like giving it a go, post a link to your work in the comments below.

Whatever the weather, that choice I leave to you…

Stranded In Sweethaven © Simon Jepps