Frankie And Johnny
Sammy Davis Jr. · Other Songs - Sammy Davis Jr.
Boy, how they could love!
Swore to be true to each other,
True as the stars above!
'Cause he was her man,
But he done her wrong!
One night Frankie happened to pass by the hotel;
Just casually glanced into a window so high,
And who did she see but her lovin' man
Lovin' up old Nellie Bligh!
She caught her man
Doin' her wrong!
Well, she went round the corner to her favourite pawn shop;
This time she didn't go there for fun!
'Cause when she left, underneath her long red kimono,
She was totin' a forty-four gun!
She was gunnin' for her man
Who was doin' her wrong!
Then back Frankie dashed to that hotel,
Started yankin' the bell!
She said, "Stand back, you madam and floozies,
Or I'll blow each and every one of you straight to hell!
I want my man
Who's done me wrong!".
Johnnie, in panic, mounted the staircase,
Screamin', "Oh Frankie, don't shoot!"
Three times she pulled a trigger on a forty-four gun,
The gun went, "Root-toot-toot!".
She nailed her man
Who'd done her wrong!
So they put her away in a dungeon,
Way up in a dark dingy cell
In the south east corner of a jail,
Where the wind seemed to blow straight from hell!
For killin' her man
Who done her wrong!
But the day Frankie mounted the scaffold,
She was just as calm as any gal could be!
And raising her eyes to heaven she cried,
"Lord, I'm comin' to thee!
I'm sorry I killed my man
Who done me wrong!".
Frankie And Johnny
Sammy Davis Jr. delivers a spirited rendition of the classic folk standard "Frankie And Johnny," showcasing his mastery of narrative storytelling within the realm of popular music. Known for his dynamic stage presence and versatile vocal range, Davis transforms this traditional tale of betrayal and tragedy into a compelling performance that highlights his emotional depth. The recording captures his signature ability to blend theatrical flair with genuine sentiment, making the story resonate with audiences across generations. As a staple of his extensive discography, this track exemplifies his commitment to honoring American musical traditions while infusing them with his unique charisma. Davis's interpretation remains a testament to his enduring influence on jazz, pop, and theatrical performance, securing his place as a pivotal figure in 20th-century entertainment.