In My Prime and in My Youth (by Leon Atkins - AKA Lil’ Jimmy Reed)

Lil’ Jimmy Reed’s up-beat and danceable guitar rhythms, punctuated by his catchy harmonica melodies, can raise any audience to their feet. His wry delivery of the lyrics add to the song’s overall charm. The Project Preservation Band provides the perfect blues shuffle backing to the song, complete with organ and guitar flourishes. 

Song History:

In My Prime and in My Youth was written by Leon Atkins (AKA Lil’ Jimmy Reed) and the seed for the song came from early discussions with Jean Atkins, his wife, when they first got engaged. As Jean Atkins tells the story of the song’s composition, she and Lil’ Jimmy Reed were discussing what they wanted out of a partner as they began to consider the next step of tying the knot. They wanted to ensure that they were on the same page before embarking on their marital journey. In classic Lil’ Jimmy Reed style, the song’s lyrics reveal a playful, flirtatious side in reflecting on further commitment.  Yet, both he and his wife agreed that it is vital for both partners to have the same love on their minds. As the lyrics state, “if you don’t do it right, then it ain’t no use.

Featured Artist:

Lil’ Jimmy Reed (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica)

Project Preservation Band:

David Adkins (Organ, Piano)

Tyler Brockett (Guitar)

Marcus Hart (Bass)

John Seals (Drums)

Lyrics:

I got love  on my mind baby

Hope you got love on your mind too

I got love baby

Hope you got love on your mind too

If you don’t do it right

Then it ain’t no use

I’ve been in and out of love

In my prime and in my youth

I’ve been in and out of love baby

In my prime and in my youth

If you don’t do it right

Then it ain’t no use

(Harmonica Solo)

(Organ or key solo)

(Spoken) That’s what you call Alabama blues

I’ve been in and out of love

In my prime and in my youth

I’ve been in and out of love baby

In my prime and in my youth

If you don’t do it right

Then it ain’t no use

I got love  on my mind baby

Hope you got love on your mind too

I got love baby

Hope you got love on your mind too

If you don’t do it right

Then it ain’t no use

(Harmonica Solo)

(Organ or key Solo)

*Look out Mobile, Birmingham, Atlanta!

I’ve been in and out of love

In my prime and in my youth

I’ve been in and out of love baby

In my prime and in my youth

If you don’t do it right

Then it ain’t no use

(Harmonica Solo)