I was born on a farm out in Ioway A flaming youth who was bound that he'd fly away I packed my grip and I grabbed my saxophone Can't read notes, but I play anything by ear I made up tunes on the sounds that I used to hear When I'd start to play folks used to say "Sounds a little Goofus to me" Cornfed chords appeal to me, I like rustic harmony Hold that note and change the key, that's called "Goofus" Not according to the rules that you learn at music schools But the folks just dance like fools, they go "Goofus" Got a job but I just couldn't keep it long The leader said that I played all the music wrong So I stepped out with an outfit of my own Got together a new kind of orchestree And we all played just the same "Goofus" harmony And I must admit we made a hit