Moanin' Lisa Blues

Moanin' Lisa Blues

Song Information Singers: Yeardley Smith Dan Castellaneta Ron Taylor (only original version) Characters: Lisa Simpson Homer Simpson Bleeding Gums Murphy (only original version) Length: 4:48 (album version) Writer(s): Al Jean Jai Winding John Boylan Mike Reiss Album: The Simpsons Sing the Blues Appearance(s): "Moaning Lisa"

"Moanin' Lisa Blues" is a song that was improvised by Bleeding Gums Murphy and Lisa Simpson. Bleedin' Gums later takes Lisa's verse and performs it in public. The song appeared in the episode "Moaning Lisa" and a longer version was made for the album The Simpsons Sing the Blues.

Lyrics

Original version

(Lisa and Bleeding Gums jam on their saxophones)

Bleeding Gums:

Oh, I'm so lonely

Since my baby left me.

I got no money,

And nothin' is free.

Oh, I been so lonely

Since the day I was born.

All I got is this rusty,

This rusty old horn.

Lisa:

I got a bratty brother.

He bugs me every day.

And this morning, my own mother,

She gave my last cupcake away.

My dad acts like he belongs,

He belongs in the zoo.

I'm the saddest kid

In grade number two.

Full version

Lisa:

I've got a bratty brother.

Who bugs me every day.

And this morning, my own mother,

Gave my last cupcake away.

My dad, he acts like he belongs,

Like he belongs in the zoo.

I'm the saddest kid

Saddest kid in grade number two.

I wish I had a pony,

I wish I were 18,

I wish I had a dime

For every kid who treats me mean.

They tease me cuz I'm different,

Little different from the rest.

Oh, yes.

Well, I'm down so low,

If I cheered up, I'd still be depressed.

The saxophone's my best friend,

I play all over town.

But when I practice in my room,

I hear...

Homer:

LISA, KEEP IT DOWN!!!

Lisa:

Although I'm only eight years old,

I've really paid my dues.

It's true.

That's why I got a case of,

A case of the Moanin' Lisa Blues!

(Joe Walsh plays a solo)

I wonder how I got here,

I wonder what I'll be.

The saddest little twig

On this crazy family tree.

I feel like I'm a loser

With nothing left to lose.

That's why I've got a case of,

A case of the Moanin' Lisa Blues!

Oh, there's just no postponin'

A case of the Moanin' Lisa Blues!

(Lisa blows her horn, John Sebastian blows a harp solo, then Lisa blows again until fade)

Credits

Produced by John Boylan

Associate Producer: Jai Winding

Lead Vocal: Lisa (Yeardley Smith)

Additional Vocals: Homer (Dan Castellaneta)

Guitar: Kevin Dukes

Slide Guitar: Joe Walsh

Bass: Bob Glaub

Keyboards: Jai Winding

Programming: Jai Winding, John Boylan

Drums: Michael Botts

Harmonica: John Sebastian

Tower of Power Horn Section:

Trumpets: Greg Adams, Lee Thornburg

Tenor Sax: Steve Grove, Emilio Castillo

Baritone Sax: Stephen Kupka

Recorded at Lion Share Studios, West Hollywood

Engineers: Guy DeFazio, Paul Grupp

Mixed at The Complex, West Los Angeles

Engineers: Mick Guzauski

Assistants: Dvane Seykora

Written by Mike Reiss/Al Jean/Jai Winding/John Boylan and Published ℗ 1990 Fox Film Music Corp./Gracie Films Music/Hubba Bubba Music/Great Eastern Music BMI/TFC Music Publishing Inc./Mood Elevator Music/Dobbs Music ASCAP

Behind the Laughter

The song was written by John Boylan, Al Jean, Mike Reiss and Jai Winding. There was another version of the song with Joe Walsh from the Eagles on slide guitar, The Lovin' Spoonful's John Sebastian on the blues harp and the horn section from Tower of Power on the album The Simpsons Sing the Blues.

Errors

• In the full version of the song, Lisa mentions that she is eight years old. She is not eight until 1991's "Stark Raving Dad".

Appearances

• Episode – "Moaning Lisa"