One of my favorite songs to play on guitar is Shake That Thing, which was first made popular in 1925 by Papa Charlie Jackson. The tune is so fun to play and sing, I'm hunting for more verses so I can play it longer. I've searched the Internet in every conceivable way without success, and the lyrics aren't included in my new (old) Lomax folk song book. The entire tune uses two chords, G & G7, but this simplicity lends it some kind of power when finger-picked with an alternating base, Mississippi John Hurt style.

So here's the verses I already know, if anyone knows of any others, please chime in (and thanks in advance for doing so).

Paul Williams

SHAKE THAT THING

1. Bought my gal, a diamond ring.
She came back home, she was shakin' that thing.
Why don't you shake that thing.
Why don't you shake that thing.
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

2. Now down in Georgia, they got a dance that's new.
They're ain't nothing to it, it's easy to do.
They call it "Shake That Thing".
Call it "Shake That Thing".
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

3. Now it ain't no "Chocolate", ain't no "Pigeon Wing",
All you got to do, is shake that thing.
They call it "Shake That Thing".
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

4. Now the old folks like it, the young folks too.
The old folks showing the young folks how to do.
They call it "Shake That Thing".
Call it "Shake That Thing".
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

5. Now get back children, and Dina too.
Let the men show you just how to do.
You're gonna shake that thing.
Oh shake that thing.
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

6. I was walking downtown, and stumbled and fell.
My mouth fell open like a country well.
Why don't you shake that thing.
Oh, why don't you shake that thing.
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.