"Little Arrows" is an absolutely delightful song by
Albert Hammond and
Michael Hazelwood, the songwriting team behind
the Pipkins' "Gimme Dat Ding." British vocalist
Leapy Lee turned the song into a crossover country hit that is sometimes categorized as a novelty even though its novel imagery is not exactly a joke.
Lee made a few country hits, but "Little Arrows" was his only pop hit despite the fact that he doesn't sound much like a country singer. The album
Little Arrows was recorded in England and has a light, whimsical, pop-oriented tone similar to its hit single. "If I Ever Get to Saginaw Again" is a gem and should have been a hit as well. Covers of "Harper Valley P.T.A.,"
Bob Dylan's "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight," and "Little Green Apples" (why did so many artists record that song?) are inoffensive placeholders, but "Theresa" -- another
Hammond-
Hazelwood song -- and "My Girl Maria" are more interesting. "Roly" is the most overtly humorous song in the bunch, but
Leapy Lee wasn't a novelty artist -- he was a pop singer with a distinct sound that, for whatever reason, went over better with the country audience.
Little Arrows has two must-have songs; take or leave the rest.