About the song
“Puppet Man” is a lively and upbeat pop song recorded by Tom Jones, released in 1971. It showcases Jones’s powerful vocals and his versatility beyond his more dramatic ballads. The song tells a story of a man who feels controlled and manipulated in a relationship, comparing himself to a puppet on strings. While not one of his biggest hits, it remains a popular track among fans and a testament to his dynamic stage presence.
The sound and style: “Puppet Man” is a high-energy pop song with elements of soul and funk. It’s characterized by its driving rhythm, prominent brass section, and Jones’s dynamic and expressive vocals. The sound is upbeat, slightly theatrical, and designed to get people dancing.
Musical features:
- Tom Jones’s Powerful Vocals: Jones’s voice is the centerpiece, delivering the lyrics with a blend of frustration, energy, and his signature vocal flourishes.
- Driving Rhythm Section: A strong bassline and prominent drums create a danceable groove.
- Brass Section: A lively brass arrangement adds punch and excitement.
- Call-and-Response: The song incorporates call-and-response elements, adding to its theatrical feel.
It’s energetic, theatrical, and danceable, showcasing Jones’s dynamic vocal style.
Lyrical themes and atmosphere:
“I’m a puppet, a puppet / Cut those strings / I’m a puppet, a puppet / No more strings”
The lyrics describe a man who feels controlled and manipulated in a relationship, comparing himself to a puppet on strings. He expresses a desire to break free from this control and assert his independence. The atmosphere is one of frustration and a yearning for liberation.
Themes:
- Control and Manipulation: The feeling of being controlled by another person.
- Independence: The desire to break free and assert oneself.
- Frustration: The anger and resentment caused by being manipulated.
- Liberation: The yearning for freedom from control.
Unlike some of Jones’s more romantic ballads, “Puppet Man” is a song about asserting independence and breaking free from a controlling relationship.
Legacy and impact:
- Showcases Jones’s Versatility: Demonstrates Jones’s ability to perform high-energy pop songs beyond his more dramatic ballads.
- Popular Track: Remains a popular track among Tom Jones fans.
- Dynamic Performance: Known for its lively and energetic performance.
“Puppet Man” is a testament to Tom Jones’s dynamic vocal style and his ability to deliver a high-energy and engaging performance.
Final thoughts: “Puppet Man” is a lively and energetic song that showcases Tom Jones’s powerful vocals and his versatility as a performer. The driving rhythm and prominent brass section create a danceable groove, while the lyrics express a relatable desire for independence and freedom from control. It’s a song that gets you moving and makes you want to sing along.
Video
Lyrics
Puppet manPuppet ma-anPuppet manPuppet ma-anBaby, baby you know it’s trueI’m a puppet just for youI’ll do any little thing you sayI wouldn’t have it any other wayTake my heart and take my soulI’m givin’ you complete controlIf you want to see me do my thing, baby pull my string, huh yeaPuppet man, puppet man-anBaby, baby, I’m your sweet petI’m just your personal marionetteWind me up and let me goDon’t you know I’m a one man show?Raise your finger and I’ll performI’ll crack a jack ’til the crack a dawnIf you want to see me do my thing, baby pull my stringPu-pa-pu-pa-pu-pa-pu-paPu-pa-pu-pa-pu-pa-pu-paBa-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-na-na-naShna- na-na-na-na-na-naBa-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-na-na-naBa-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-na-na-naShna- na-na-na-na-na-naNa-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-naPuppet man, puppet ma-anBaby, baby I’m warning you, satisfaction guaranteedAnytime you feel uptightI’m at your service morning noon or nightI do whatcha’ want me to‘Cause I’m a puppet just for youBut if you want to see me do my thingBaby pull my stringPu-pa-pu-pa-pu-pa-pu-paPu-pa-pu-pa-pu-pa-pu-paBa-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-na-na-naShna- na-na-na-na-na-naBa-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-na-na-naBa-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-na-na-naShna- na-na-na-na-na-naNa-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-naPuppet manBaby, I’m your puppet manYa I might even…If you pull my stringI’ll do anythingBaby, baby I’m your puppet manCan’t do anything unless ya pull my stringLove ya, love ya, love ya, love ya!Down deep in your soulDo anything, I might even love youWow-oh