Importin' Exportin' Man (O.K. Sam)

Lyrics: Bob LeGate, [Dave Torbert,] Tim Hovey
Music: Bob LeGate, [Dave Torbert,] Tim Hovey

Bob LeGate gave me this account of the origins of the song. He wrote it in 1969 and recorded it under the title "O.K. Sam" on an album entitled "Gospel Oak" in London in 1969/70. Tim Hovey came along when he had nearly completed the song and made a couple of suggestions for the lyrics. Bob therefore gave him a co-credit on the album. A couple of years later, Tim Hovey got together with Dave Torbert and the song was recorded on the New Riders album "Panama Red". It was credited there to Hovey and Torbert but not LeGate, and the title was changed to "Importin' Exportin' Man".

Well he's done a lot of travelling, trying to bring the best to you
You can see him in New Delhi, or even maybe Katmandu
He got a nose for the business, it won't go wrong
He's very glad to meet you, he can't stay long
OK Sam, importin' exportin' man

He smiles his way across the border, just heard from him in Mexico
I'm gonna rush him down my order, he knows just where to go
He runs a mail order service, just for you
If he can't send it, he'll bring it through
OK Sam, importin' exportin' man

He's getting up this morning and pulling on his persian gloves
He'll be a-sniffing round the market to buy the things you love
He got a nose for the business, it won't go wrong
He's very glad to meet you, he can't stay long
OK Sam, importin' exportin' man

He's OK Sam, importin' exportin' man
Recordings
     Date Album Recorded By
     1970 Gospel Oak Gospel Oak (note 1)
     1973 The Adventures Of Panama Red New Riders Of The Purple Sage
Notes
(1) the title on this recording is "O.K. Sam"


Further Information
For more information on recordings see Matt Schofield's Grateful Dead Family Discography

 


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