John Prine was sitting with his mother in the kitchen once and they were looking at some magazine or puzzle book that was full of idioms and similes such as “cold as ice” or “fit as a fiddle” or “drinks like a fish.” His mother and he had a good time coming up with their own common expressions and out of that foolery came this song.
I compare John Prine to Mark Twain. It is easy to make the connection between Mark Twain, the nineteenth-century writer and lecturer, and John. Like Twain, Prine views the world with joy and pity — with humor and disdain. While Twain utilizes literary techniques to advance his impressions, Prine’s musical compositions demonstrate his unique outlook. Perhaps foreshadowed by Bob Dylan, today’s poets often materialize as singer/songwriters.
Prine’s observations of the world around him reflect the attitudes and practices of modern American culture. His views on love, social issues, politics, and religion are presented in a vernacular language that is made accessible by melodies that are both poignant and memorable.
Prine’s song, It’s a Big Old Goofy World is a microcosm of his world view.
As he riffs on the silly similes, he tells the story of a happy couple. So happy they’re dancing. It’s a fun song, like many of John’s compositions. A simple tune to make you all feel happy.
John can legitimately be regarded as a Country singer and musician. He gravitated toward Nashville as evidence of that. My personal tastes run more to Folk music, and I can make a case for John as Folk artist too. (I could do the same for Dylan.) That works for me!
Folk music can be measured by the ability of regular folks to perform it, and most Prine songs can easily be performed and appreciated with voice and guitar and still retain their essence. Though the words may be complex, the simplicity of the music makes the songs accessible. You don’t have to be a great singer to do Prine. At least that’s my excuse.
When I hear this song, I think the Big Old Goofy Man is John himself. Maybe he’s dancing with his mom, or maybe with his wife. You know they all shared his vision: It’s a Big Old Goofy World. Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. This morning that’s my mission: to laugh to keep from crying.
Whether Folk or Country, this song is just fun. It could even be classified as kid’s music, the kind you hear in a Daycare. (Guess you folks didn’t know I’ve spent time in a Daycare, and I don’t mean as a kid! Yes I have.)
So let’s all sing along with John. After all, it IS a
… “A Big Old Goofy World"
Up in the morning
Work like a dog
Is better than sitting
Like a bump on a log
Mind all your manners
Be quiet as a mouse
Some day you'll own a home
That's as big as a house
I know a fella
He eats like a horse
Knocks his old balls
Round the old golf course
You oughta see his wife
She's a cute little dish
She smokes like a chimney
And drinks like a fish
There's a big old goofy man
Dancing with a big old goofy girl
Ooh baby
It's a big old goofy world
Now Elvis had a woman
With a head like a rock
I wished I had a woman
That made my knees knock
She'd sing like an angel
And eat like a bird
And if I wrote a song
She'd know ever single word
There's a big old goofy man
Dancing with a big old goofy girl
Ooh baby (sing like Elvis)
It's a big old goofy world
(Bridge — for you Folk players)
Kiss a little baby
Give the world a smile
If you take an inch
Give 'em back a mile
Cause if you lie like a rug
And you don't give a damn
You're never gonna be
As happy as a clam
So I'm sitting in a hotel
Trying to write a song
My head is just as empty
As the day is long
Why it's clear as a bell
I should have gone to school
I'd be wise as an owl
Stead of stubborn as a mule.
And there's a big old goofy man
Dancing with a big old goofy girl
Ooh baby
It's a big old goofy world
Ooh baby
It's a big old goofy world
