Peanut Butter and Jelly

In 2012 I was playing with a few different groups of Jammers, either at someones home or in various Parks in North San Diego County. I was playing guitar and singing both melody and harmony at the jams. A few people had tried to play Acoustic Basses at the jams, but the volume was too muted to be heard on top of the often 6 or more guitars and other instruments like Banjos, Mandolins and Harmonicas. I attended a 70th birthday party for my Step Sister Joan and was enamored with the sound of the Duo playing, (Piano and Standup Bass), the bass filled the room easily and I decided to move in that direction. I found an inexpensive Palatino 3/4 Bass online and purchased it, it requires some work getting it to be more playable and after addressing the problems I repainted the face and back white, putting on the best strings I could afford. It took me several months of practicing to reach a point where I could handle it, I learned some basics, especially blues runs to help with finger and hand strength. One night I woke up in the middle of the night as I often did then and I had words in my head so I recorded them on my IPhone and promptly fell back to sleep. The next morning, I listened to what I had recorded and expanded upon the idea and my first "Bass" song came to fruition, Peanut Butter and Jelly. I truly had been visited by my mother in my dreams that night and she had given me "permission" to "Do What I Like"!

Peanut Butter & Jelly – Douglas W. Fielder

When I was a boy my momma said son
Life is simple, just try and have fun
Find all the things that appeal to you
That’s the way to make your dreams come true
It’s not complicated, don’t make it that way
Just do what you like and you’ll be okay
.
(Chorus 1)
I like Peanut Butter and Jelly. I like Peanut Butter and Jelly
Walks on the beach and a fiery sunset
A funny movie and the internet
Strumming my six string or picking the bass
Looking at the smile on your beautiful face
I like Peanut Butter and Jelly, I like Peanut Butter and Jelly
.
Now I spent a long time trying to keep
up with the Joneses, I got in deep
Til I remembered what my momma said
Now I’m enjoying my life instead
It doesn’t cost much to spend a day in the sun
Life’s much better when you’re having fun
.
(Chorus 1)
.
If you’re bound and determined to have it all
Be my guest, friend, have a ball
But don’t forget what my momma said
Cause sooner or later we’ll all be dead
You can choose to be happy and enjoy the day
Join me on the beach with my PBJ
.
(Chorus 2)
I like Peanut Butter and Jelly, I like Peanut Butter and Jelly
A cold glass of milk with some Oreos
Walking in the surf and wiggling my toes
Spooning all night at my babies place
I finally figured out that it ain’t a race
I like Peanut Butter and Jelly, I like Peanut Butter and Jelly
(Chorus 1)