Jimmy Jones Page

About the Song

Remember those days when a simple tune could transport you to another time and place? Jimmy Jones’ iconic hit, “Handy Man,” is one of those songs. Released in 1959, this upbeat and catchy number quickly climbed the charts, becoming a staple of American popular music.

The song’s title, “Handy Man,” might seem straightforward, but its lyrics paint a vivid picture of a hardworking, dependable man who can fix just about anything. This theme of reliability and resourcefulness resonated deeply with audiences of the time, and continues to do so today. It’s a timeless message about the value of a person who can be counted on.

Jones’ smooth, soulful vocals paired with the song’s infectious melody create a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshing. The lyrics are simple and easy to follow, making it a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Yet, there’s a depth to the song that rewards repeated listenings.

The success of “Handy Man” can be attributed to several factors. First, the song was well-crafted and had a universal appeal. Second, it was released at a time when rock and roll was gaining popularity, and “Handy Man” was able to capture the spirit of that era while still maintaining a classic sound. Finally, Jones’ charismatic personality and strong stage presence helped to solidify his place in the music industry.

Over the years, “Handy Man” has been covered by numerous artists, from Del Shannon to James Taylor. This enduring popularity is a testament to the song’s quality and its ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Jimmy Jones or simply appreciate great music, “Handy Man” is a song that is well worth listening to.Jimmy Jones Was For Real – Geezer Music Club

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Lyrics: Handy Man 

Hey girls, gather round, listen to what I’m putting down
Hey baby, I’m your handy man
I’m not the kind to use a pencil or rule, I’m handy with love and I’m no fool
I fix broken hearts, I know that I truly canIf your broken heart should need repair, then I am the man to see
I whisper sweet things, you tell all your friends, they’ll come running to meHere is the main thing that I want to say, I’m busy 24 hours a day
I fix broken hearts, I know that I truly can
Comma, comma, comma, comma, com, com, yeah, yeah, yeah
Comma, comma, comma, comma, com, com, oh they’ll come running to me

Here is the main thing I want to say, I’m busy 24 hours a day
I fix broken hearts, baby
I’m your handy man
Comma, comma, comma, comma, com, com, yeah, yeah, yeah
Comma, comma, comma, comma, com, com, yeah, yeah, yeah
That’s me
Comma, comma, comma, comma, com, com
I’m your handy man, yeah yeah, yeah
That’s me
Comma, comma, comma, comma, com, com
I’m your handy man, yeah yeah, yeah

You Missed

The argument in the studio lasted for days, with a producer demanding a funeral on record and a singer who was already living his own slow fade insisting the song was a commercial suicide. By 1980, the man they called No-Show Jones was more myth than musician. His life off-stage was a wreckage of cocaine and broken contracts, and his voice, though still legendary, seemed to be running out of places to hide. When producer Billy Sherrill brought him “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Jones fought it. He hated the pacing, argued over the melody, and kept trying to turn the ballad into a slow-moving mimicry of a Kristofferson tune. He didn’t want to sing about a man who only finds peace in the grave, mostly because the darkness in the song felt too much like his own. Sherrill refused to back down. He kept the writers, Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman, in a loop of rewrites, demanding they push the funeral imagery further, dragging the listener through every ounce of the protagonist’s refusal to let go. In the studio, the atmosphere was thick with friction. Jones wasn’t just performing a character; he was wrestling with a mirror. It was a slow, agonizing process of bargaining that finally broke when Jones delivered a vocal that felt like a confession. The final take caught the exact moment where pain stops being a performance. The strings swelled, the steel guitar moaned in the background, and the reality of the record landed with a heavy, final quiet. It was not a polished hit; it was a scar captured on tape.