Lyr Add: Shake That Thing (Papa Charlie Jackson)

Subject: Lyrics Req: Shake That Thing
From:
Date: 13 Jul 98 - 02:38 PM

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.

Subject: Lyr Add: SHAKE THAT THING
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 14 Jul 98 - 10:18 AM

Paul,

Papa Charlie Jackson's 1925 version (recorded in Chicago) is basically the same as you've posted with just a few variations. He doesn't sing the first verse you post at all, he starts with your second verse. Your third verse is his second , but he sings 'Charleston' not 'chocolate'.

The next verse is the same, and in the following verse Jackson sings 'Now get back, show me, they're dyin' to do./ Let your mammy show you just how to do.'Then the next verse is the same.

Following this (the bit you're interested in) Jackson sings the following verses:

Now Grandpa Johnson grabbed Sister Kate,
She shoke it just like she shakes the jelly upon the plate.
We're gonna shake that thing.
Aw, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

Now old Uncle Jack, the jelly roll king.
He just got back from shakin' that thing.
Now he shakes that thing.
Wants a little more to shake that thing.
I'm gettin'sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

Now old Uncle Moe, he's sick in bed.
The doctor says he's almost dead.
From wantin' to shake that thing.
Wants a little more to shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

Now the folks in Georgia they've done gone wild.
The hold of this dance is settin' the style.
They call it Shake That Thing.
Aw, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

Kokomo Arnold also recorded a version of this song (in Chicago in 1936). He recorded fives verses, four the same as Papa Charlie Jackson and this one:

Says now I see it's just a little funny swing.
You don't need no lessons to shake that thing.
Keep on shakin' that thing, keep on shakin' that thing.
`Cause I'm so sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

Also, in 1932, the Mississippi Sheiks recorded 'New Shake That Thing'

So cold up North till the birds can't sing.
The people down South, shakin' that thing.
Oh, shake that thing, oh, shake that thing.
Well, the people down South will always shake that thing.

I laid down last night, I was awful sick.
I woke up this mornin', she had my toecaps fixed.
So I could shake that thing, so I could shake that thing.
I went down to the station, up to the train.
I couldn't buy no ticket for shakin' that thing.
Oh, shake that thing, oh, shake that thing.
Well, the people down South will always shake that thing.

I went down to the railroad, I laid my head on the track.
The train come along and it broke my back.
Now, I can shake that thing, know I can shake that thing.
Well, the people down South will always shake that thing.

Hope this helps.

Brian

Subject: RE: Lyrics Req: Shake That Thing
From: Paul Williams
Date: 14 Jul 98 - 09:20 PM

Thanks Brian for posting those lyrics. I will be performing them often, to a very appreciative audience.

Paul Williams

Subject: Lyr Add: SHAKE THAT THING (Papa Charlie Jackson)
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Jun 10 - 06:25 PM

Best I can tell, here are the lyrics Papa Charlie Jackson is singing. I've been listening to and playing this song for years. The only lyric I am not certain about is the first line of verse four. "Now get back to me" is right but I have not been able to make out the rest of that line. Guess I'll have to keep listening. ;-)

SHAKE THAT THING
(as sung by Papa Charlie Jackson)

1. Now down in Georgia they got a dance that's new.
There ain't nothin' to it; it's easy to do.
They call it shake that thing, aww, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

2. Now it ain't no Charleston, ain't no Pigeon Wing.
All you got to do is to shake that thing.
They call it shake that thing, aww, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

3. Now the old folks like it, the young folks too.
The old folks showin' the young folks how to do.
They call it shake that thing, aww, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

4. Now get back to me; they're dyin' to do (?)
Let your mammy show you just how to do.
They call it shake that thing, aww, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

5. I was walkin' down town and stumbled and fell.
My mouth jumped open like a country well.
Watchin' 'em shake that thing, aww, watchin' 'em shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

(Instrumental chorus)

6. Now Grandpa Johnson grabbed Sister Kate.
He shook her just like she's shakin' jelly from a plate.
He told her shake that thing, aww, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

7. Now old Uncle Jack, the jelly-roll king,
He just got back from shakin' that thing.
Now shake that thing, watchin' them all, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

8. Now old Uncle Moe he's sick in bed.
His doctor says he's almost dead
From watchin' shake that thing, watchin' 'em all, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

9. Now the folks in Georgia, they done gone wild
Over this brand-new dancin' style.
They call shake that thing, aww, shake that thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to shake that thing.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Shake That Thing (Papa Charlie Jackson)
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Apr 15 - 03:50 PM

Shake That Thing (Papa Charlie Jackson)

%1
Now, down in Georgia, they got a dance that's new
There ain't nothin' to it, it's easy to do
They call: Shake that thing, aw, shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

%2
Now, it ain't no Charleston, ain't no Pigeon Wing
All you got to do is to shake that thing
They call: Shake that thing, aw, shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

%3
Now, the old folks like it, the young folks too
The old folks showin' the young folks how to do
They goin' to shake that thing, aw, shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

%4
Now, get back, children and Aunt Dinah, too
Let your Mammy show you just how to do
You're gonna shake that thing, aw, shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

%5
I was walkin' downtown and stumbled and fell
My mouth jumped open like a country well
Watchin' 'em shake that thing, aw, watchin' 'em shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

(instrumental)

%6
Now, Grandpa Johnson grabbed Sister Kate
He shook her just like she'd shake the jelly from the plate
He told her: Shake that thing, aw, shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

%7
Now, old Uncle Jack's the jelly roll king
He just got back from shakin' that thing
Now, shake that thing, watchin' 'em all shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

%8
Now, old Uncle Moe he's sick in bed
The doctor says he's almost dead
From watchin' 'em shake that thing, watchin' them all shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

%9
Now, the folks in Georgia, they've done gone wild
Over this brand new dancin' style
They call: Shake that thing, aw, shake that thing
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to shake that thing

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Shake That Thing (Papa Charlie Jackson)
From: GUEST,#
Date: 28 Apr 15 - 04:36 PM

The below stanzas come from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qst95Bsk7g

from a comment by Nico Fournier



Now down in Georgia they got a dance that's new
There ain't nothing to it, it's easy to do
They call it shake that thing, aww, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

Now it ain't no Charleston, ain't no Chicken Wing
All you got to do is to shake that thing
They call it shake that thing, aww, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

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, aww, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

Now get back to me they're dyin' to do (?)
Let your mammy show you just how to do
They call it shake that thing, aww, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

I was walking down town and stumbled and feel
My mouth jumped open like a country well
Watching 'em shake that thing, aww, watching 'em shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

(Instrumental chorus)

Now Grandpa Johnson grabbed Sister Kate
He shook her just like she's taking jelly from a plate
He told her shake that thing, aww, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

Now old Uncle Jack the jelly roll king
He just got back from shaking that thing
Now shake that thing, watchin' them all, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

Now old Uncle Moe he's sick in bed
His doctor says he's almost dead
From watchin' shake that thing, watching 'em all, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

Now the folks in Georgia they done gone wild
Over this brand new dancing style
They call shake that thing, aww, shake that thing
I'm getting sick 'n' tired of telling you to shake that thing

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Shake That Thing (Papa Charlie Jackson)
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 28 Apr 15 - 07:23 PM

"The entire tune uses two chords, G & G7" This isn't true of Jackson's version.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Shake That Thing (Papa Charlie Jackson)
From: GUEST,DB
Date: 21 Nov 15 - 12:35 AM

I heard a verse I had never heard before on Michael Lasser's program tonight:

Now Jack and Jill went up the hill,
Jill came down with a 20 dollar bill
Cuz she could shake that thing,
Yeah she could shake that thing.
I'm getting sick and tired of telling you to shake that thing.

Subject: Lyr Add: SHAKE THAT THING (Papa Charlie Jackson)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 21 Oct 17 - 02:07 PM

York University (Toronto) has the sheet music. My transcription from it follows. I have boldfaced the words that are different from the above transcriptions (but some words are omitted, and therefore can't be boldfaced). Also note that the verses are in a different order.


SHAKE THAT THING
Words and music by "Papa" Charlie Jackson, ©1926.

1. Down in Georgia got a dance that's new.
There ain't nothin' to it; it's easy to do,
Called Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

2. Ain't no Charleston, ain't no Pigeon Wing.
All you got to do is Shake That Thing,
Shake that thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

3. Now the folks in Georgia, they done gone wild
Over this brand-new dancin' style
Called Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick 'n' tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

4. Now the old folks are doin' it, the young folks too.
The old folks learn the young folks what to do,
Called Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

5. I was walkin' down town; I stumbled and fell.
My mouth jumped open like a country well,
Doin' that Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

6. Now get right to me; this I will do.
Let my mammy show that dance to you
Called Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

7. Now Grandpa Johnson grabbed Sister Kate.
He shook her like you shake jelly on a plate,
Doin' that Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

8. Now old Uncle Jack, the jelly-roll king,
He just got back from doin' Shake That Thing.
Now Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

9. Now old Uncle Mose, sick in bed,
His doctor said he was almost dead,
Doin' that Shake That Thing, Shake That Thing.
I'm gettin' sick and tired of tellin' you to Shake That Thing.

Subject: RE: Lyr Add: Shake That Thing (Papa Charlie Jackson)
From: leeneia
Date: 23 Oct 17 - 10:48 AM

Here's a youtube. Good fun.


shake that thing

After listening, stick around for "Putting on the Ritz."