The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #149216 Message #3471198
Posted By: Jeri
25-Jan-13 - 09:36 AM
Thread Name: Black Betty: what's a "shiv"? [Look-a Yonder]
Subject: RE: Black Betty lyrics - what's a "shiv"?
It's a work song.
It wasn't a "shiv" or a "shift" until Nick Cave misheard Leadbelly and fit in some-kinda-prison-soundin' word. Listen to Leadbelly.