James Purify was born May 12, 1944 in Pensacola, Florida. "Bobby Purify" was actually two different singers; the first was James's cousin Robert Lee Dickey (Sep 2nd 1939 - Dec 29th 2011), who adopted the Purify name for performing, and sang on their early records. The I'm Your Puppet Songfacts states that after retiring, Dickey returned to his hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, in 1972 where he became a custodial crew supervisor at the Tallahassee Police Department. He continued singing with his church and as a member of the Bethlehem Male Singers. Dickey died on December 29, 2011.
The second Bobby was vocalist Ben Moore, who replaced Dickey when he suffered health problems. ("I'm Your Puppet" was written and produced by Dan Penn, who introduced Purify and Moore.) The duo continued into the 1980s, with no other big hits, but remained popular on the tour circuit. When Purify faced legal problems (not career-related), Moore went solo, though still using the name "Bobby Purify" occasionally. In 1983, he was nominated for a Grammy award, for a gospel recording.
I`m your Puppet
James & Bobby Purify Lyrics
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I'll do funny things if you want me to, I'm your puppet
I'm yours to have and to hold
Darling you've got full control of your puppet
Pull another string and I'll kiss your lips, I'm your puppet
Snap your finger and I'll turn you some flips, I'm your puppet
Listen, your every wish is my command
All you gotta do is wiggle your little hand
I'm your puppet, I'm your puppet
I'm just a toy, just a funny boy
That makes you laugh when you're blue
I'll be wonderful, do just what I'm told
I'll do anything for you
I'm your puppet, I'm your puppet
Pull them little strings and I'll sing you a song, I'm your puppet
Make me do right or make me do wrong, I'm your puppet
Treat me good and I'll do anything
I'm just a puppet and you hold my string, I'm your puppet
Darling, darling, pull the strings, let me sing you a song any day
I'm your puppet baby, you can sing for me all night long
Honey, yeah
The song "I'm Your Puppet" by James & Bobby Purify is a soulful love ballad that compares the singer to a puppet, entirely under the control of his lover. The lyrics describe the singer's willingness to do anything for the person he loves, who holds all the power over him. The repeated line "I'm your puppet" emphasizes the idea of complete surrender to the beloved.
The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song: "Pull the string and I'll wink at you, I'm your puppet / I'll do funny things if you want me to, I'm your puppet." The singer is essentially saying that he is willing to do whatever his lover desires, to make them happy. He goes on to describe how he will kiss them, do flips, and even sing for them if they desire it.
The chorus reveals the singer's willingness to submit entirely to his lover's will: "Listen, your every wish is my command / All you gotta do is wiggle your little hand / I'm your puppet, I'm your puppet." The idea of him being a puppet controlled by his lover's every move is emphasized in these lines. The subsequent verses also suggest that the singer is happy to be controlled as long as his lover treats him kindly.
The song ultimately portrays a loving relationship in which one partner trusts the other completely and is willing to do whatever it takes to make them happy. It is an ode to surrendering control in a relationship and trusting that the other person will treat you well.
Line by Line Meaning
Pull the string and I'll wink at you, I'm your puppet
I am under your control and will respond according to your wishes.
I'll do funny things if you want me to, I'm your puppet
You have complete control over me and I am here to entertain and amuse you.
I'm yours to have and to hold
I am completely at your disposal and under your ownership.
Darling you've got full control of your puppet
You are the master of the relationship and can make me do whatever you want.
Pull another string and I'll kiss your lips, I'm your puppet
I am willing to do anything you want, including intimate actions, at your command.
Snap your finger and I'll turn you some flips, I'm your puppet
You can make me perform acrobatics if you so desire, as I am entirely under your control.
Listen, your every wish is my command
I will carry out your every desire without question or hesitation, as I am completely dedicated to pleasing you.
All you gotta do is wiggle your little hand
The slightest gesture or movement from you is enough to command me, as I am fully obedient to your every whim.
I'm just a toy, just a funny boy
I am nothing more than an object of amusement, mere entertainment for you to enjoy at will.
That makes you laugh when you're blue
My sole purpose is to cheer you up and make you feel better, even during your most difficult moments.
I'll be wonderful, do just what I'm told
As long as you are in control, I will live up to your expectations and be nothing but great for you.
I'll do anything for you
No matter how absurd or demanding your requests are, I will carry them out without question, for you have complete power over me.
Pull them little strings and I'll sing you a song, I'm your puppet
I am not just here to do physical actions, but also to entertain you through singing or other means, as long as you are pulling my strings.
Make me do right or make me do wrong, I'm your puppet
You have the power to decide whether I will act in a virtuous or immoral manner, as I have no will of my own and am entirely at your mercy.
Treat me good and I'll do anything
If you treat me kindly and with affection, I will be even more devoted to pleasing you and satisfying your every desire.
I'm just a puppet and you hold my string, I'm your puppet
I am completely dependent on you, as you are the only one who controls my fate and destiny.
Darling, darling, pull the strings, let me sing you a song any day
I am devoted to singing and giving you pleasure, so please do not hesitate to command me to entertain you whenever you desire.
I'm your puppet baby, you can sing for me all night long
You can use me to entertain you to your heart's content, for I exist solely to please you and bring you happiness.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SPOONER OLDHAM, DAN PENN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tinabox3171
My brother passed away and this was his favorite song. Rest in peace BabyJoe, til I see you again. Love you always
@766goldie
May he rest in peace you have my deepest condolences 🎉❤
@bronzetv8534
R.I.P
@prunellamae
Rest in peace James. I am so grateful I got see you last March at Nana’s 97th birthday. You were one my father’s oldest and best friends. I will always miss you.
@brendasiriani2107
Memories of this song when i was young. Love it!!!
@bangerchich5274
These guys have beautiful voices, i had no idea James had passed away, i hope he is singing with Angels now, coz he had the voice of an Angel on Earth, Such a Beautiful song 🙂xxx💞💯
@stephenjaus3160
Soul men got me here.
@fernandorayos3491
Right on
@randyovercash8234
Can't foil the. Corner stones. Reestablished. It's our love shares.
@janicejames1953
Someone here listening to this song in 2024