Wake Up Jacob
Porter Wagoner · The Farmer (RCA Victor) [1973]
I guess he's chased all night
And it's just about two hours before dawning and Jacob's
cabin doesn't show a light
In the ruffle of the leaves beside my pathway a small
animal appeared black and white
And as I run for life towards Jacob's cabin
The pole cat right behind me smelling up the country side
I holered wake up Jacob stir up a light did you ever
see a man and a pole cat fight
Turn on the light and let me in wake up Jacob let me in
[ fiddle - el.banjo ]
Well the pole cat looked at me with his tail held high
As frantically I beat on Jacob's door
Then what a welcome sound to my nervous ears
As I heard Jacob's big feet hit the floor
As I waited there for Jacob to unlock the door
The pole cat's perfume filled the morning air
And the door was so strong that my eyes burned
And as the smell began to curl my hair
I holered wake up Jacob...
Wake up Jacob...
Wake up Jacob...
Wake Up Jacob
Porter Wagoner's 'Wake Up Jacob' stands as a defining track in the landscape of 1970s country music, blending traditional storytelling with the polished production characteristic of his RCA Victor recordings. Released on the album 'The Farmer,' the song exemplifies Wagoner's ability to craft narratives that resonate deeply with rural life and moral dilemmas. As a staple of his discography, the recording showcases his signature vocal style, characterized by a warm, resonant tone that bridges the gap between classic honky-tonk and the emerging outlaw country movement. The song's enduring popularity highlights Wagoner's status as a pivotal figure in the genre during the early 1970s, influencing a generation of artists who sought to maintain authentic regional themes while embracing modern musical textures. Its inclusion in his catalog underscores his commitment to storytelling that remains relevant decades later.