Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working

Subject: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 02:49 PM

I'm gonna be the fool that asks this question:

What's a mojo?

Is there really such a thing or is it just a made up singsong kinda thing? Or is it R rated? X rated? Not even on the rating scale?

Just 'rediscovered' the tune and looking for an answer. Also mention your fave version if you'd like.

Also, can a woman sing this song?

(great song; there's a fine version of it by Muddy Waters on You Tube of course.)

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: Amos
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 02:54 PM

Mojo is the black magic, the "spell", that men who have it weave around women, and use to influence men as well. It is also the power that resides in the mojo bag worn around the neck, and may also be equivalent to Chi, or Karma, or Boogaloo.

That a sort of general conclusion, not a quote from some obscure academic paper.


A

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: GUEST,Joseph de Culver City
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 02:59 PM

'Mojo' refers to a magic bag with spells or holy objects which is worn for protection. Thus,this song can be sung by any gender without any modification.

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 03:34 PM

'Mojo' seems to be widespread among Southern Negroes, although the first time in print is in Puckett, "Folk Beliefs of the Southern Negro," 1926, where he defined it as follows: "The term mojo is often used by the Mississippi Negroes to mean charms, amulets or tricks, as 'to work mojo' on a person or 'to carry a mojo.'
Origin of the word is debated; the Gullah have a word 'moco' meaning witchcraft or magic. The word could come from Africa, the Fula word moco'o means medicine man.
From OED

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 03:42 PM

Thanks. Wish I had some of that stuff.

Are there any women who have recorded the song? Maybe Bonnie Raitt?

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: fat B****rd
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 03:49 PM

Heather Marie with the Johnny Otis Band, Trudy Lynn, Zora Young. And those are the really famous ones !.

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: PoppaGator
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 04:19 PM

"Mojo" has long been used metaphorically, to refer to myseterious personal powers (sexual and/or otherwise), whether or not the person in possession of said powers is literally wearing a bag of magical mojo charms around his/her neck.

Pretty much the same thing that members of another cultural group might call "charisma" ~ if you're talking about really strong charisma!

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: M.Ted
Date: 31 Jan 08 - 07:50 PM

Mojo explained

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 12:42 AM

Then there is the raunchy "keep your hands off my mojo" which isn't necessarily her lucky amulet. Or maybe it is. . .

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 09:50 AM

Great link, Ted

RtS

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: Tweed
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 11:26 AM

TATER RED'S on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee has Mojo Bags for $10.00. Magic oils, candles, lucky charms, black cat bones...all that stuff.

Another place on Beale, A.Schwab's Retail, has been around forever and has voodoo stuff along with obscure blues records and loads more. Here's an excerpt from the Beale Street.com website:



163 Beale St
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: [phone]

Even though A. Schwab has been in business since 1876, the store struggled against attempts to close it down in the wake of renewal efforts on Beale Street during the 1970's. Schwab won the battle and is now regarded as one of Memphis' historic treasures.

Located in a prime tourist area, A. Schwab is much more than a souvenir shop. If a reasonably priced Memphis souvenir is what you're looking for, you can certainly find it, but Schwab carries real merchandise, too: underwear, hats, ties, stockings, overalls, knick-knacks, kitchen goods, you name it. And be sure to check out the mojo candles for casting various types of spells. A visit to the second floor museum will turn up no-longer- used types of farm and cooking implements, old records, antique clothing, and lots more.

Carry some small change -- the nickel candy machines still work! While you're there, look for Mr. Abe Schwab himself, third generation store owner, who might give you a tour if you're lucky. To visit A. Schwab is to step into Memphis' real past.

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 12:15 PM

there s that line in Joni Mitchell's Come In From the Cold

Were you just checking out your mojo?
Am I just fighting off the years?

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: fat B****rd
Date: 01 Feb 08 - 12:18 PM

Seconded.Thank you M.Ted

Subject: RE: Origins: I've Got My Mojo Working
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Sep 21 - 12:35 AM

Got My Mojo Workin'

Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you
I want to love you so bad, I don't know what to do
Going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
Going down to Louisiana to get me a mojo hand
I'm gonna have all you women under my command

Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working
Got my mojo working, but it just won't work on you

I got a gypsy woman givin' me advice
I got a gypsy woman givin' me advice
I got a whole lottsa tricks keepin' her around

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Preston Foster

Muddy Waters recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hEYwk0bypY