Jerry Garcia and David Grisman were both talented American musicians known for blending different styles of music.
The former artist was the lead guitarist and singer for the Grateful Dead, famous for his unique guitar sound and improvisation. The latter artist is a skilled mandolin player who loves bluegrass, jazz, and folk music.
Together, they created a special acoustic sound by mixing folk, bluegrass, and jazz influences. Their friendship and musical partnership led to several albums that showed their love for acoustic and roots music.
About the Song
Jenny Jenkins is a playful and traditional folk song where a girl is asked what color she will wear, and she gives clever, rhyming reasons for refusing each color.
The song uses humor and imagination, making it a favorite for children and families. Its repeating questions and answers celebrate creativity, wordplay, and the fun of making up silly rhymes together.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Oct. 20, 1993 |
| Album | Grateful Dawg (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2001) |
| Producer | David Grisman |
Complete Lyrics of Jenny Jenkins
Verse 1: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Will you wear white
Oh my dear, oh my dear
Will you wear white, Jenny Jenkins?
No, I won’t wear white
For the color’s too bright
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Verse 2: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Will you wear green
Oh my dear, oh my dear
Will you wear green, Jenny Jenkins?
No, I won’t wear green
It’s a shame to be seen
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Verse 3: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Will you wear blue
Oh my dear, oh my dear
Will you wear blue, Jenny Jenkins?
No, I won’t wear blue
For the color’s too true
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Instrumental Break
Verse 4: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Will you wear yellow
Oh my dear, oh my dear
Will you wear yellow, Jenny Jenkins?
No, I won’t wear yellow
For I’d never get a fellow
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Verse 5: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Will you wear brown
Oh my dear, oh my dear
Will you wear brown, Jenny Jenkins?
No, I won’t wear brown
For I’d never get around
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Verse 6: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Will you wear beige
Oh my dear, oh my dear
Will you wear beige, Jenny Jenkins?
No, I won’t wear beige
For it shows my age
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Instrumental Break
Verse 7: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Will you wear orange
Oh my dear, oh my dear
Will you wear orange, Jenny Jenkins?
No, orange I won’t wear
And it rhymes so there
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Verse 8: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
What will you wear?
Oh my dear, oh my dear
What will you wear, Jenny Jenkins?
Oh, what do you care
If I just go bare
Chorus: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
I’ll buy me a foldy-roldy, tildy-toldy
Seek-a-double, use-a-cozza roll to find me
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Outro: Jerry Garcia & David Grisman
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Roll, Jenny Jenkins, roll
Similar Songs Like Jenny Jenkins
These cheerful folk tunes share the same playful spirit and catchy rhythm as Jenny Jenkins.
- Froggy Went A-Courtin’: This traditional folk tune tells a sweet, quirky tale with simple lyrics and a sing-along rhythm perfect for all ages.
- Skip to My Lou: A cheerful, old-time song with a bouncy melody and playful call-and-response format that kids and adults enjoy alike.
- Polly Wolly Doodle: Lighthearted and full of silly fun, this classic folk tune features joyful repetition and colorful wordplay.
Similar Artists Like Jerry Garcia and David Grisman
Here are some similar artists who, like Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, blend folk, bluegrass, and acoustic creativity with expressive playing and rich collaborations:
- Tony Rice
Genres: Bluegrass, Folk, Acoustic
Top Albums: Manzanita (1979), Cold on the Shoulder (1984) - Norman Blake
Genres: Folk, Bluegrass, Americana
Top Albums: Whiskey Before Breakfast (1976), Natasha’s Waltz (1987) - Peter Rowan
Genres: Bluegrass, Folk, Country
Top Albums: Peter Rowan (1978), The Old School (2013)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Meaning Behind the Colors in Jenny Jenkins?
The colors are part of a rhyming game where each color is playfully rejected with a rhyme.
Has Jenny Jenkins Been Adapted by Modern Artists?
Yes, Mt. Joy released a song titled Jenny Jenkins inspired by different themes.
Where did the Song Jenny Jenkins Originate?
It dates back to at least 1823 and was passed down by word of mouth in American folk tradition.
