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Like Jimmy Hawthorne

mickjagger | December 30, 2025

Like Jimmy Hawthorne

By Craig Whitley
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[Intro]

[Verse 1]

At Ana-coco High we came to play,

Basketball glory was our main way.

Jimmy Hawthorne ruled the floor,

While kids like me just kept the score.

[Verse 2]

Jimmy was a beast no matter the game,

Left-field fences feared his name.

We’d chase his bombs through briars and pines,

And found scorched leather numerous times.

[Chorus]

I wasn’t Jimmy, I was frail and weak,

Jimmy was a Legend, king of the street,

I practiced his tricks to laughter and scorn,

Trying to be a legend, like Jimmy Hawthorne!

[Verse 3]

Junior year, the score looked grim,

Down 35 points – our chances were slim.

Coach said, “Whitley, get in quick,”

Dad yelled out, “Son make it stick!”

 

 

 

[Verse 4]

I faked a dribble using just one hand,

It didn’t fool a soul in the whole grandstand.

Got fouled quickly, the crowd grew still,

I dreamed of glory, with nerves of steel.

[Chorus]

I wasn’t Jimmy, I was frail and weak,

Jimmy was a Legend, king of the street,

I practiced his tricks to laughter and scorn,

Trying to be a legend, like Jimmy Hawthorne!

[instrumental]

[Verse 5]

My first free throw, went in true,

Second shot, I’d dare the coup.

Hurled it high, it hit the wall,

Bounced away, nearly killed us all.

[Verse 6]

Ref cried “Steppin’!” and the crowd went mad,

Girlfriend groaned, my mom looked sad.

Coach leapt out like a bullfrog’s spawn,

Screamin’, “Whitley son, what have you done?!”

[Chorus]

I wasn’t Jimmy, I was frail and weak,

Jimmy was a Legend, king of the street,

I practiced his tricks to laughter and scorn,

Trying to be a legend, like Jimmy Hawthorne!

 

[Verse 7]

Coach blew a gasket, screamed ‘Oh Lord No!”

What were you thinking Whitley, I’ve got to know.

Shaking and trembling, I let the answer fly,

Just being Jimmy Hawthorne! I let out a cry!

[Verse 8]

Listen here son, we stared nose-to-nose,

I want you to know from your head to your toes,

You’re not Jimmy Hawthorne and you’ll never be,

You’ll ride that bench and keep score for me.

[Chorus]
I wasn’t Jimmy, I was frail and weak,

Jimmy was a Legend, king of the street,

I practiced his tricks to laughter and scorn,

Trying to be a legend, like Jimmy Hawthorne!

 

Copyright November 17, 2025, by Stephen Craig Whitley – All Rights Reserved

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Written by mickjagger




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