[Intro – Instrumental] [Verse 1] [Lead: male bari-tenor, playful Southern/Delta twang, gritty but lighthearted.] Oh, that bumble bee flew into my room Buzzing like trouble, dancing with the moon I swatted, I jumped, couldn't get him to stay He buzzed past my ear and then he flew away He landed on the window, then he circled back Darted through the curtains like a little maniac I tried to show him who's the boss around here But that little yellow rascal wouldn't disappear [Rap 1] [Low, playful Southern cadence; rhythmic and mischievous.] Buzzing in my ear like a fevered dream Every little sting ain't as sweet as it seems Chasing shadows, I'm swinging with the blues Trying to catch a thrill that I can't refuse Left, right, up, down, he's running the show Every time I think I've got him, there he goes I ain't scared, but I ain't foolish either That little bee's got me moving like a midnight fever [Verse 2] [Lead: more animated, conversational, playful grit.] He's teasing, he's tricky, I can't make him mine Flying through the honey, sweet as summertime Every little movement, every daring flight Keeps me spinning circles in the middle of the night He buzzes by my hat, then he buzzes by my shoe I tell him, "You got nerve," and he says, "Buzz to you" I open up the window, thinking he'll be gone He turns around and comes right back before I finish the song [Rap 2] [Low, rhythmic delivery; build playful tension.] Bumblebee blues, got me in a twist Life keeps buzzing, nothing I can resist Playing with danger, honey in my sight Chasing that little trouble through the night He ain't looking for a fight, he's looking for the sweet I'm looking for some peace, but he's dancing on the beat Round and round, now we're locked in the groove Me and that bumblebee got something to prove [Chorus / Climax] [Lead: full, joyful blues delivery; playful call-and-response.] Bumble bee, don't sting me too hard Flying through the night like a little wild card I keep swinging, dancing, can't let go Bumble bee blues, keep your show Bumble bee, buzzing through my head Every little warning goes flying unsaid I know you're trouble, but I like your groove Bumble bee blues, got me moving too [Harmony: restrained lower harmony on “bumble bee blues” and “keep your show.”] [Call-and-response: Lead: “Bumble bee!” / Harmony: “Buzz, buzz, buzz!”] [Instrumental Break] [Dobro: playful sliding blues solo.] [Fiddle: quick staccato answers and mischievous fills.] [Muted trumpet: short punchy responses.] [Mandolin: tight swinging la pompe.] [Outro] [Lead: softer, amused, conversational.] Well, he finally found the window and he flew away Left me standing there at the ending of the day I shook my head and laughed, then I heard that little sound Buzzing somewhere outside, making one more round Maybe he's a troublemaker, maybe that's his way Maybe I'll be chasing that little bee all day But if he comes back buzzing when the moon shines through I'll leave the window open and let him buzz on through [Lead: whispered, playful ad-libs.] Buzz, buzz, buzz... Don't sting me now... Buzz, buzz, buzz... I'll see you around... [Dobro: final playful descending slide.] [Fiddle: brief echo.] [Pad: fades into silence.]
