Jake the Peg

Rolf Harris

About Jake the Peg

"Jake the Peg" is the title of a comedic song about a fictional three-legged man performed by Rolf Harris and released as a single in 1965. The song was adapted in 1965 from a version performed by Frank Roosen (a Dutch performer from Vancouver, Canada). The original Dutch party skit was "(Ik ben) van der Steen". In a 2004 poll Harris's version was voted the fourth best Australian single of all time. Harris would perform the song with the aid of a theatrical prop leg. June Whitfield reports, in her autobiography And June Whitfield, that she used to watch Harris' performance of the number on stage from the wings, as she waited to follow him, and could not tell during the performance which of his three legs was the prop. Harris wore a long coat that came down to the knees, and apparently had three identical legs. He would walk around the stage putting his middle foot forward, and then his two side feet, and at times would also stand on his middle leg and stick both outer legs out. While he was moving around the stage he sang the song, which told of his life with three legs. 


Year:
2001
3:48
523 
#7

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[Chorus:] 
I'm Jake the Peg, diddle-iddle-iddle-um 
With my extra leg, diddle-iddle-iddle-um 
Wherever I go through rain and snow 
The people always let me know 
There's Jake the peg, diddle-iddle-iddle-um 
With his extra leg, diddle-iddle-iddle 

The day that I born (oh boy) my father nearly died 
He couldn't get my nappies on, how matter how he tried 
'cause I was born with an extra leg, and since that day begun 
I had to learn to stand on my own three feet 
Believe me that's no fun 

[Chorus] 

I had a dreadful childhood really, I s'pose I shouldn't moan 
Each time they had a three legged race, I won it on me own 
And also I got popular, when came the time for cricket 
They used to roll my trousers up 
And use me for the wicket 

[Chorus] 

I was a dreadful scholar, I found all the lessons hard 
The only thing I knew for sure, was three feet make a yard 
To count to ten I used me fingers, if I needed more 
By getting my shoes and socks off 
I could count to twenty four 

I'm Jake the [stops to count] 

...to twenty five 

I'm Jake the peg, diddle-iddle-iddle-um 
With my extra leg, diddle-iddle-iddle-um 
Whatever I did they said was false 
They said "quick march" I did the quick waltz 
Then they shouted at me "put your best foot forward" - but which foot? 
I said "it's very fine for you, you only got a choice of two" 
But me, I'm Jake the Peg, diddle-iddle-iddle-um 
With the extra leg... diddle-iddle-iddle-um

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Rolf Harris

Rolf Harris, AO, CBE (born 30 March 1930) is an Australian entertainer. He is a musician, a singer-songwriter, a composer, a painter, and a television personality. He is also a covicted paedophile. more »

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Written by: FRANK ROOSEN, ROLF HARRIS

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


24 facts about this song

Release and Popularity
"Jake the Peg" was released by Rolf Harris in 1965 and became one of his most recognizable and popular songs.
Song Origin
Rolf Harris wrote the song inspired by a Dutch comic routine. The Original Dutch version of the song was sung by a Dutch comedian Eduard Khil.
Chart Achievements
Although "Jake the Peg" didn't chart in the UK when it was released in 1965, it later landed a spot on the UK Top 10 charts after it was reissued in 1970.
The Character
"Jake the Peg" tells the story of a three-legged man, a character that Harris often portrayed in his live performances using a prop third leg.
Significant Performances
The song was performed in the Australian TV series ‘In Melbourne Tonight’ with Graham Kennedy and the UK TV program ‘The Rolf Harris Show’.
TV Appearance
The song's lyrics and performance played a crucial role in one episode of the UK comedy series "One Foot in the Grave".
Song Controversy
Following Rolf Harris's conviction for indecent assault in 2014, the BBC has not played "Jake the Peg" or any of his other music.
Lyrics Homage
In 2005, the electronic duo Baked A La Ska released a song called 'Jake the Peg (Legless)', which used the same melody and altered the lyrics, as a homage to the song.
Harris's Reputation
Despite the controversy surrounding Rolf Harris in his later years, "Jake the Peg" remains one of his most famous songs from his prime as a musician and TV personality.
Song Interpretations
Some scholars and critics have interpreted the song as a commentary on disabilities and societal attitudes towards them. This sometimes controversial perception remains a topic of discussion in some academic circles.
Release Date
"Jake the Peg" was originally released by Rolf Harris in the year 1965.
Genre
The song falls into the genre of comedy music, displaying Harris's typical humor and storytelling style.
Composition
"Jake the Peg" is known for its simple, catchy tune and regular rhythm, making it easy for audience engagement and participation.
Origin Story
The song is an Australian adaptation of the traditional South African tale about a man with three legs.
Performance
Harris performed the song with a costume prop that made it appear as though he had three legs.
Lyric Composition
The lyrics are repetitive, making the song quite catchy and easy for audiences to sing along to.
Song Popularity
"Jake the Peg" became one of Rolf Harris's biggest hits and he often performed it at live shows, making it an iconic part of his public image.
Television Debut
The song debuted on television during an episode of the BBC's Blackpool Night Out.
Cover versions
Dunderbo Music produced a cover version of "Jake the Peg" in 2011.
Music Video
In the official music video, Harris enters a party wearing a three-legged costume, and becomes the life of the party.
Cultural Impact
In Australia and the UK, the song is well-known and often associated with Harris, despite controversies surrounding him.
Recreation
The three-legged costume used by Harris in the performance is frequently recreated by fans and for comedy performances.
Controversy
Despite the song's popularity, the legacy of "Jake the Peg" suffered due to Harris' conviction for a string of sexual offenses.
Status in 2020s
As of the 2020s, the song still received occasional airplay, but is largely a piece of cultural history rather than a current part of popular culture.

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