Found on YouTube:


WHAT'S THAT THING SHE'S SHAKING
As recorded by Papa Charlie Jackson, 1934

Yes, yes, yes. That remind me of years ago, when I wrote a little song they call "Shake That Thing." A friend o' mine wrote me and asked me what was that thing that was shakin'. Well, sure, you know, I can't tell 'em what that thing that was shakin', but I got a little song that'll give you an idea. Here I go:

What's that thing that she's shakin'?
It is drivin' me wild.
What's that thing that keeps breakin'
In with a brand-new style?
She don't shake her head; she don't shake her shoulders.
Don't shake her knees; she sure don't shake her feet.
Now what's that thing that she's shakin'?
Cert'nly all shakin' it mean(?), I mean,
Cert'nly all shakin' it mean(?).

What's that thing that she's shakin'?
I would like to know.
What's that thing that she's shakin'?
Tell me just before you go.
Now, mama, don't you be so fast,
But keep on a-shakin' till someone passed.
Now what's that thing that she's shakin'?
I would like to know, I mean,
Really would like to know.

Yes, yes, yes. Whatever that thing is she's shakin', she sure is doin' the dog with it. But I'll find out just before she go, what's that thing that she's shakin' so.

What's that thing that she's shakin'?
I would like to know.
What's that thing that she's breakin'?
Tell me just before you go.
Dance over here, you dance over there.
Get out, boys; she'll dance ev'rywhere.
Now, what's that thing that she's shakin'?
I would like to know, I mean,
Really would like to know.

Now, what's that thing that she's shakin'?
I would like to know.
Yeah, what's that thing that she's breakin'?
She's gon' to tell me just before she go.
Now, mama, don't you get rough,
But keep on a-shakin' and strut your stuff.
Now what's that thing that she's shakin'?
I would like to know, I mean,
We all would like to know.