Bobbie Gentry performs “Niki Hoeky” on stage in 1971

About the song

Bobbie Gentry’s “Niki Hoeky,” a lesser-known gem from her debut album, offers a captivating glimpse into the world of a young woman grappling with loneliness and longing. Released in 1967, the song showcases Gentry’s unique blend of country, blues, and folk, creating a haunting and evocative atmosphere.

The song’s narrative centers around Niki Hoeky, a mysterious figure who may or may not be a real person. Gentry’s lyrical imagery is evocative, painting a picture of a woman adrift in a world of her own making. She sings of Niki’s loneliness, her dreams of escape, and her longing for connection.

Musically, “Niki Hoeky” is a stripped-down affair, with Gentry’s vocals accompanied by sparse acoustic guitar and subtle percussion. The simplicity of the arrangement allows her voice to take center stage, conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection. Gentry’s delivery is both haunting and intimate, drawing listeners into the world of the song.

While “Niki Hoeky” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as Gentry’s other hits, it remains a poignant and evocative piece of music. It offers a glimpse into the artist’s early career and showcases her talent for crafting haunting and evocative narratives.

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Lyrics

Down in Louisiana
Down in Cajun land
Folks got something goin’
Goes something like

Folks come an git’cha tootsie
I wants to t’tie ya puppe’tame me
Gonna dig ya on a scoobydoo
Gonna gitcha on’a scubadie

Ooh boog-a-boo you
You ooh boog-a-boo you, little boy
Get hip to the consultation of the boolawee
Umm hmm, umm

Said, golly, golly miss Molly
Everything’s copesetic now
Boog-a-boo, look at you
What I’d like to do to you boy

Ooh boog-a-boo you
You ooh boog-a-boo you, little boy
Get hip to the consultation of the boolawee
Umm hmm, hmm

Niki, Niki, Niki Hoeky
Your pappy’s doing time in the pokey
Your sisters on a trip
Your momma got hip

Little boy you’re lookin’ OK
You ooh boog-a-boo you
You ooh boog-a-boo you, little boy
Get hip to the consultation of the boolawee

I’m talking bout your boola
Talking bout that wee
I’m talking bout your boola
Talking bout that wee

Well, get hip to the consultation of the boolawee
Niki, Niki, Niki
Niki, Niki, Niki
Niki, Niki, Niki

Niki, Niki, Niki Hoeky
Niki Hoeky