When I saw the prompt for this week’s Song Lyric Sunday, I wasn’t sure which approach to take. Did I want a sentimental song, something I would use to mirror feelings for my dad and his passing? Did I want to take a more light-hearted approach that would get the listeners up and out of their chairs dancing? I chose to go for the second approach. My first thought was to write up, “A Boy Named Sue,” the Shel Silverstein lyrics as sung by Johnny Cash first in one of his prison concerts, which is sung in comical tones but ends up getting pretty serious by the end. Then I thought of the Old Blind Dogs song, “Kincardine Lads” about bootleggers that has Daddio in the chorus. I finally settled on, “Diddley Daddy,” one of my favorite rockabilly tunes by smooth crooner, Chris Isaak.

Per wikipedia, Christopher Joseph Isaak (b. 6/26/56) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and occasional actor. Noted for his reverb-laden rockabilly revivalist style and wide vocal range, he is widely known for his breakthrough hit and signature song “Wicked Game” as well as international hits “Blue Hotel”, “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing”, and “Somebody’s Crying”.

With a career spanning four decades, Isaak has released 13 studio albums, toured extensively with his band Silvertone, and received numerous award nominations. His sound and image are often compared to those of Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, and Duane Eddy.

Isaak has associated with film director David Lynch, who has used his music in numerous films. As an actor, he played supporting roles and bit parts in films such as Married to the Mob, The Silence of the Lambs, Little Buddha, That Thing You Do! and Lynch’s Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me, and starred in two television series: the sitcom The Chris Isaak Show and the talk show The Chris Isaak Hour.

“Diddley Daddy” is listed as the last, 11^th (bonus) track on his 1989 album, Heart Shaped World, which is the same album Wicked Game is on. The writers listed on Chris’ album are Bo Diddley and Harvey Fuqua.

Musicians:

• Chris Isaak – vocals, guitar
• James Calvin Wilsey – lead guitar
• Rowland Salley – bass guitar, vocals
• Kenney Dale Johnson – drums, vocals

Additional personnel:

• Prairie Prince – drums, percussion
• Frank Martin – keyboards, piano
• Pete Scaturro – keyboards
• Christine Wall – vocals
• Cynthia Lloyd – vocals
• Chris Solberg – bass
• Joni Haastrup – keyboards

“Diddley Daddy” was written by  Bo Diddley and was issued as a single on Checker Records in June 1955. It spent four weeks on the Billboard R&B chart in the summer of 1955, peaking at No. 11. The B-side was “She’s Fine, She’s Mine.”

Diddley Daddy

Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
I got a baby that's oh so pretty
I found her out here in this knock dead city
Somebody kissing my baby last night
My baby said " Junior that's all right"
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy

Baby now baby understand
Jimmy looks good but he's a half a man
Roy looks cool but he's oh so cold
And then a big old junker gonna wreck your soul
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy

Two orphan babies were lying in the bed
The bigger one talked to Jimmy and said
"Love you Jimmy with all of my heart"
Jimmy woke up and tore the place apart
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy

Baby now baby hear my scene
I wanna know if you do love me
I love you baby with all my heart
Oh please don't ever say we will part
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
Diddley, diddley, diddley, diddley daddy
A-be-by-bick-you-by-go-go-go-yeah

Songwriter:  Bo Diddley

Jim Adams is the host of Song Lyric Sunday. This week the theme is to find a song that relates to Dads or Grads.  

6/23/26 UPDATE on A Boy Named Sue