Expert: Mel Priddle - 7/22/2008

Question
Mr. Priddle,
  I happened upon this site, and your answer to a question regarding some lyrics to a long-since forgotten song. As it turns out, much like the gentleman who asked the question (Tom), I too have struggled to find any information at all regarding this song. And like Tom, all I could remember was the chorus. Local music "experts" were beginning to question whether this had been something of a regional hit (I was in upstate New York at the time), as they had never heard it out here on the west coast. Some questioned the existence of the song, altogether. I thank you for putting this to rest for me. It's a silly thing to question for nigh on forty years, but I no longer have to worry about that, now do I? By the way, ever heard of a little song that went something like "I'm little, but I'm loud. I'm (something...), but I'm proud. I'm countrified, and I don't care who knows it." There's also the line "I'm puny, short, and little, but I'm loud" It was a female artist. Perhaps from the early to mid-60's. I heard she was a local artist from upstate New York. I had the 45 of the song long ago, but it is long-gone now. Can you help me?

Answer
Hello Mark,

"I'm Little, But I'm Loud" was first recorded by its co-writer, Little Jimmy Dickens in 1957. It was subsequently recorded by Connie Smith (1967), Laney Hicks (aka Laney Smallwood - early 80's), and Martina McBride (1997 - this was just a home recording of McBride as a child).

It's most likely that you are remembering the Connie Smith version, but she was not from upstate New York, so I can't really help you with that part of your question.

I'M LITTLE, BUT I'M LOUD
(Written by Jimmy Dickens & Boudleaux Bryant)

A lots of folks have told me I got poor, but I got right
A winter apple picked up in the fall
But even as a young'n I was not the bashful type
'Cause I could yell up loud to stop them all

I'm little, but I'm loud, I'm poor, but I'm proud
I'm countrified and I don't care who knows it
I'm like a Banty rooster in a big red rooster crowd
I'm puny, short and little, but I'm loud

(Instrumental Break)

I learned to do my singin' walkin' long behind the plow
The singin' teacher always passed me by
And so I had to sing the only way that I know how
Just rear back, open up and let her fly

I'm little, but I'm loud, I'm poor, but I'm proud
I'm countrified and I don't care who knows it
I'm like a Banty rooster in a big red rooster crowd
I'm puny, short and little, but I'm loud

(Instrumental Break)

I sang a special solo song in church one Sunday morn
And I was plumbin' barest to my skin
I hit a high and turned around, and as sure as I was born
Two cows and fourteen horses came walkin' in

I'm little, but I'm loud, I'm poor, but I'm proud
I'm countrified and I don't care who knows it
I'm like a Banty rooster in a big red rooster crowd
I'm puny, short and little, but I'm loud
I'm puny short and little, but I'm loud

(Lyrics courtesy of www.lyricsplayground.com)


Glad to be of help. Cheers........Mel.