Give him a soft guitar to play what he choose
He ain't got no fancy chords
Only got his blues
Poor, happy Jimmy

I didn't know him very well but he was with me
And I won't take a dime just to make it rhyme
'Cause I cried and cried the day he died
Poor, happy Jimmy

Give him sweet melodies, he sing with all he has
He got a funky paraphrase
It sound like good time jazz
Poor, happy Jimmy

I didn't know him very well but he was with me
And I won't put the blame on the aeroplane
But I boo-hoo'd on the day he flew
Poor, happy Jimmy

I wonder why
That I can't forget all the things you said
About your life and times
You set a spell inside

Oh, James your soft guitar, it make me feel to cry
The sole consolation is
A good man never dies
God bless you Jimmy

I love you with all my heart, so deep within me
And you won't see the end of your lonely friend
'Cause I'll pray and pray for you every day
Poor, happy Jimmy
Poor, happy Jimmy

Poor, happy Jimmy
Poor, happy Jimmy
Poor, happy Jimmy
Poor, happy Jimmy