Songs About Stuttering

introduced by Judy Kuster (Minnesota, USA)

There are many songs about stuttering. There is a large collection on The Stuttering Home Page. Probably the best known song about stuttering is "K-K-K-Katy.". It was composed by Geoffrey O'Hara who composed many other songs, mostly hymns and died in 1967 at the age of 84.

Dr. W.F.Rannie who teaches geography at the University of Winnepeg wrote to me in 1998, and shared some of the story about this song. He wrote that the Katy in the song was his grandmother, Katerine Gertrude Craig Richardson of Kingston, Ontario. She was called "Kate." It was composed spontaneously at a party in 1917. The finished version of the song was first played at a garden party fund-raiser for the Red Cross at a cottage in Collins Bay on Lake Ontario just west of Kingston. Katie Richardson didn't stutter and probably the stuttering in the song it was simply a device to make the words fit the music. Many modern day song writers do the same thing, for example The Reflex by Duran Duran, My Generation by The Who, Barbra Ann by The Beach Boys, Foolin' by Def Leppard, and many others.

It is rather strange when stuttering becomes part of a song since music is usually considered a "fluency enhancer" for people who stutter. That means, when they sing, many (but not all) people who stutter become totally fluent. The first person in recorded history who is said to have noted the fact that stutterers are fluent when they sing is the English composer William Byrd (1543-1623), master of music of the Chapel Royal of Queen Elizabeth I. (posted to a stuttering mailing list by Pierre B, October 15, 2001). Healey and Mallard discovered (Healey EC, Mallard AR 3rd, Adams MR., Factors contributing to the reduction of stuttering during singing, J Speech Hear Res. 1976 Sep;19(3):475-80) that for the people in their study, sung lyrics were always more fluent than spoken lyrics and it didn't even matter if the person could carry a tune or not. The effects of singing, even in a monotone or off key, made them more fluent.

Perhaps it was because they were fluent when they sang that several people who stutter have made singing a career including Mel Tellis, Robert Merrill, Gareth Gates, and Carly Simon.

There are at least four examples of people who stutter who have written about their stuttering in their songs. One was a hymn writer, William Cowper, who wrote "There is a Fountain" in 1771. One of the verses in this hymn is

When this poor lisping, stammering tongue
Lies silent in the grave.
I'll sing a sweeter, nobler song
I'll sing Thy power to save.

Three contemporary professional singers, with distinctly different musical styles, do not stutter when they sing, but they have written and performed songs that talk about their stuttering. Frankie Jones and Jason Gay have both given permission for the performance of their songs about stuttering to be online for this conference. The song by John "Scatman" Larkin is online with the permission of his widow, Judy Larkin. The words to the songs are online if you are not able to access the music with your computer.

Sweet Relief

by Jason Gay

Jason Gay is an independent artist who was named one of Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans for 2003 by The Minnesota Junior Chamber (Jaycees) which honor individuals between the ages of 21-39 who are making an impact in their communities. Jason was recognized for his achievements in voluntary service, cultural achievement and moral and religious leadership. Jason is a nationally known Christian music artist who has been featured on television programs like "Straight Talk For Teens," continues to devote his time to young people with organizations like Youth Frontiers and is a communicator and spiritual retreat leader for all ages speaking on topics ranging from Christian growth, the arts, overcoming handicaps (Jason is a person who stutters) to hope for those who struggle with depression. Jason was also featured on "Ten Independent Artists You Should Know" by Russ Breimeier from ChristianityToday.com. Jason and his wife Taya are parents of four little boys. His website is at http://www.jasongay.com/ The song below is from his CD, The Singer and The Song, by Jason Gay, available through Now and Then Records, c/o Jason Gay, P.O. Box 17, Eagle Lake, MN.,56024-0017.

I stutter. In this song, I have tried to express the pain, fears, and frustrations of this condition. A little background on some of the reference may help you better appreciate the song. One of the hardest things I've had to deal with as a stutterer is the phone.

Several times when I've called someone and had difficulties speaking, I've been mistaken for a prank caller or been made fun of, thus the "person on the other end of my receiver" line. Also, after a show once, someone came to me and asked it I was aware that it was actually called the "rock" of Gibraltar. But when a stutterer gets hung up on a word it's called a block, thus the "block of Gibraltar" line. I always feel compelled to clarify this as that I want the public to know just how clever of a songwriter I really am. Although it is a very specific song about a very specific ailment, I believe its longing is universal, and therefore I wish to dedicate this song to all of those who feel that the thorn in their flesh can and does from time to time inhibit them from being completely who, in their hearts and dreams, they truly are. I am compelled to believe that they will all find, hopefully sooner than later, sweet relief. Until then, we would do well to be honest about our pain and perhaps even cry a little if need be. Until then, His grace must be sufficient.

Sweet Relief

what's that why do you laugh at me
as if i'm some kind of fool
well yes i am a fool indeed
but not for what you might believe
and i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for sweet relief

oh to speak with the tongue of an angel
or maybe just mere man
or even just to have the person on the other end
of my receiver understand
that i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for sweet relief

i did not choose to talk this way
i had no say in the matter
i am innocent of the part i might have played
and there's so much more i am dying to say

please don't make me repeat myself
once was bad enough
"look at the bright side, son, it keeps you humble
it builds your character and makes you tough"
nonetheless i'm still waiting
all the same i'm still praying for sweet relief

my tongue is tied and the cat's got it, too
my mind is on fire
i'm trapped under the block of gibraltar
and i just want to tell you
that i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for sweet relief
oh yes i'm still waiting
i'm still praying for our sweet relief

The Man In The Mirror

by Frankie Jones

Frankie Jones is a 25 year old music producer living in Lincoln, Nebraska. He is a person who stutters and is active in the National Stuttering Association at a local and national level. He has presented workshops with children and teens who stutter and performed at the NSA conventions. What has always bothered Frankie most about his stuttering is the un-answerable question "Why." Using music to channel both frustration and inspiration has become his unique style of storytelling. The Man In The Mirror is from Frankie's album, "Rightfully Spoken," available through the NSA bookstore at http://www.nsastutter.org/catalog/detail.php?id=45 and reproduced for this conference with Frankie's permission.

Man In The Mirror

Won't you tell me who's to blame for my stuttered speech?
some say genetic; others say it's caused by hectic lifestyles...
faget it;
nobody understands the true meaning;
give me books and videos, but I still find myself screamin';
for a answer; that it seems I cannot find by myself;
so I found Dr. Healey and begged for his help;
pain in my heart sometimes I've gotta let go;
and if you listen real close, you might hear my crushed soul;
Now they wanna know...what a block feels like;
It's like in the middle of your sentence somebody grabs your windpipe;
your jaw locks, you can't breath ..your heads spun out;
And all this madness caused from a word that you trying to pronounce;
Now in the early days when people had problems that didn't seem norm;
they called em curses because ...they had no answers for'em;
that's what this is... my own true curse;
when I look in the mirror...I tell him it hurts.
I wanna show the world I stutter, but I know what you'd say;
So when we have conversations, sometimes I look away;
I don't wanna see your reaction on the way that I look;
and the pain you read this moment is hard to hold in a book;
Sometimes I stutter hard y'all, right from the very beginnin';
I know what I'm gone say, you don't have to finish my sentence;
I stand before you with ease, don't let it fool ya;
I'm a stutterer for the rest of life, I'm scared of my future;

Chorus.

This is the way that I talk, I can't help who I am;
And if I could, I wouldn't change who I am;
Now if you've never stuttered you may not understand;
I hated the man in the mirror;
Now I accept who I am.

((REPEAT))

This is why I make music; it comes so easy to do it;
I write a song everyday; because I love to be fluent;
I got dreams to achieve; and it's time to go get em;
I speak my words out loud y'all, hope that you feel em;
talking in public places?; I would leave it alone;
when I stayed home; I won't even answer the phone;
I was afraid of what might happen when I pick up;
so many pauses in my voice the other end would just hang up;
Tears would roll slowly down my cheeks;
run to bed and curl myself up in my sheets;
trying to figure out this disability;
....yeah, I played it off;
but on the inside y'all it was killing me;
are you feeling me?; or am I just one of a kind?;
I don't think so, anyone who stutters should feel this rhyme;
see in time; I learned to be stronger about my situation;
now I use tools to help my motivation;
continuos phonation; as I speak out my sentence;
from an easy onset I used back in the beginnin';
I'm tellin' you...nothing is impossible to achieve;
just look at me..living proof of what happens; if you believe.

Chorus.

((REPEAT))

Sometimes I feel less than worthy;
crying to myself because it hurts me;
as my mind replays the faces of those who heard me;
my head jumbles back, and the first syllable is repeated;
I got something to say.....I..I I I...I just can't speak it;
It's like something inside holds me back;
well would you please let go, and could I please have my voice back!!;
living as a man today, I just wanna live good;
still having the effects from a wounded childhood;
everyday I was laughed at, I reached a point I couldn't take the pain;
so in junior high, I just used my middle name;
I even made imaginary friends just for me;
so when I spoke, no one would laugh at me;
Then one day, I found a way;
to live my wish- I sing a song....I been writing ever since;
See when I'm rappin', I'm something else; I'm not myself;
but through this music, I've found a way to love myself;
so here I am now living out a new today;
I'd like to thank you for the invite to the NSA convention;
rapping loud-for all of you to listen;
to the story which I shared for the parents down to the children;
but let me leave you with one note; one final quote;
when your at home and your feeling down on your hope;
you find a mirror, bring all your pain leave none aside;
look into your eyes and repeat my lines...

Chorus.

This is the way that I talk, I can't help who I am;
And if I could, I wouldn't change who I am;
Now if you've never stuttered you may not understand;
I hated the man in the mirror;
But now I LOVE who I am.

I'm The Scatman

by John "Scatman" Larkin
deceased

Musician John "Scatman" Larkin passed away December 3, 1999, at his home in California. He was born March 13, 1942. John, a person who stuttered, was known for his "scatsinging." Professionally he was best known for his successful recordings in Europe on the BMG/RCA label. His first single, "Scatman" was recorded September 1994 and released in Germany December 1994. John received "Best New International Artist of the Year" in Japan and the German "ECHO" award for foreign artists. He also received awards from Italy, France, Poland, Hong Kong and elsewhere. Some of his work is still available through The Bookstore. His love for and work with the international community of people who stutter is a major part of John's legacy.

(included here with the permission of Judy Larkin).
The lyrics are taken from http://www.szym.com/scatman/sctman.html by Szymon Krasucki

Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop)

(Scatting by Scatman John)
I'm the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)
I'm the Scatman
(Scatting by Scatman John)

Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don't let nothin' hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it so can you.

Everybody's sayin' that the Scatman stutters
But doesn't ever stutter when he sings.
But what you don't know I'm gonna tell you right now
That the stutter and the scat is the same thing.
Yo I'm the Scatman.

Where's the Scatman? I'm the Scatman.

Why should we be pleasin' all the politician heathens
Who would try to change the seasons if the could?
The state of the condition insults my intuitions
And it only makes me crazy and my heart like wood.

Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don't let nothin' hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.
I'm the Scatman.

(Scatting by Scatman John)

Everybody stutters one way or the other
So check out my message to you.
As a matter of fact don't let nothin' hold you back.
If the Scatman can do it brother so can you.

I'm the Scatman.

I hear you all ask 'bout the meaning of scat.
Well I'm the professor and all I can tell you is
While you're still sleepin' the saints are still weepin' cause
Things you call dead haven't yet had the chance to be born.
I'm the Scatman.

(Scatting by Scatman John)
I'm the Scatman....repeat after me
It's a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
I'm the Scatman....repeat after me
It's a scoobie oobie doobie scoobie doobie melody
(Scatting by Scatman John)

Several years ago, John wrote the following information about, "I'm the Scatman."

"Two of the four verses to "Scatman" deal directly with stuttering....they are:

"Everybody stutters one way or the other so check out my message to you. As a matter of fact don't let nothin' hold you back if the Scatman can do it....so can you."
Everybody's saying that the Scatman stutters but doesn't ever stutter when he sings.....but what you don't know I gonna tell you right now that the stutter and the scat is the same thing....yo I'm the Scatman"

The words are intended for kids and youth.

The first verse simply says that we all have problems; and with the courage to accept yourself just as you are and deal with those problems, you can have a good life and a stronger life as the very result of having those problems....and if I can get on with my life, so can you.

The second verse says that the stutter and the scat are the very same thing....by that I mean that the biggest influence to my scatsinging has been my stutter.

(a) The stutter taught me to pronounce the scat syllables the way you hear them on the song.

(b) It can be useful to see scatsinging as "released" stuttering....or "fluent" stuttering. My scatsinging is unique......because I stutter.....therefore my greatest problem has become my greatest asset."

In December of 1997, John, whose email address was Hapnintwo, sent Holiday greetings to several people. Although he did not live to see the new century, he did have a vision of the times ahead that I'm sure he'd want to share with you:

Hello my friends,

In about 730+ days we will arrive at the year 2000.

A new century......A new age......A new beginning. In the last few years I have been given the opportunity to see first hand how our world community of people who stutter is moving more and more into oneness.

I have seen new organizations like the International Stuttering Association spring into existence for the purpose of serving and expediting that growing oneness.

I have seen how fast new information and hope can spread through the media and through internet communications.

This is a new time. This is a wonderful time for a pws. We have moved out of the dark into the light. We can feel connected in a way that has never been possible before. We are no longer alone. The world community has advanced a milestone in a short time.........But this is only the beginning.

It is most important that we remember that there are many more of us out in the world who are still "victimized" by their stuttering and that perhaps it is our responsibility to try to give back some of this wonderful gift that we have been given.......by trying to help any way we can.

Thank you all for what you have given me.

I want to wish you all the very best for your future.

Yours,

John Larkin

August 2004

Songs About Stuttering