Songs about 'That Thing'

21 Oct 17 - 04:20 PM (#3883760)
Subject: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: Jim Dixon

I was amazed, once I started digging into it, how many songs there are with "That Thing" in the title. This list was compiled from various lists of 78-rpm records. A few have already had their lyrics posted at Mudcat; I have created links for those. I plan to post as many more here as possible. Among these you will find early jazz, blues, hokum, jug band music, and the occasional western swing tune, and maybe more.

Baby, You Done Put That Thing on Me – Leroy Carr – 1929
Better Boot That Thing – Bessie Tucker – 1928
Come On, Coot, and Do That Thing – Coot Grant and Kid Wesley Wilson with Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra – 1941
Come On, Coot, Do That Thing – Leola Wilson – 1925
Daddy, Don't Put That Thing on Me Blues – Clara Smith – 1929
Daddy, You've Done Put That Thing on Me – Martha Copeland – 1923
Do That Thing – Famous Hokum Boys – 1930
Do That Thing – Jimmie Gordon and His Vip Vop Band – 1939
Do That Thing – Jimmy Newsome – 1954
Do That Thing – Rosa Henderson – 1924
Doggin' That Thing – Walter Fats Pichon – 1929
Don't Bite That Thing – Charlie "Specks" McFadden – 1929
Don't Put That Thing on Me – Clifford Gibson – 1929
Driving That Thing – Mississippi Sheiks – 1930
Everybody Likes That Thing – Two Boys From Savanah (sic) – 1929
Fight That Thing – Reb Spikes Majors and Minors – 1927 – (instrumental)
Gettin' Dirty Just Shakin' That Thing – Romeo Nelson – 1929
Got My Mind on That Thing – Clara Smith – 1928
He Throws That Thing – Bobbie Cadillac and Coley Jones – 1929
Hold On to That Thing – Bill Boyd and His Cowboy Ramblers – 1941
Hula Shake That Thing – Kaai Serenader – 1926 – (instrumental)
I Can't Use That Thing – Connie McLean's Rhythm Kings – 1936
I Had to Smack That Thing – Barrel House Frankie Wallace – 1930
I Kept On Rubbing That Thing – State Street Swingers – 1936
I Love That Thing – Bo Carter – 1931
I Love That Thing – Lillian Glinn – 1929
I'm Doin' That Thing – Ambassador Trio, Gus Arnheim Cocoanut Grove Orchestra – 1930
I'm Doin' That Thing – Earl Burtnett and His Orchestra – 1930
I'm Doin' That Thing – Gus Arnheim and His Cocoanut Grove Orchestra – 1930
I'm Doin' That Thing – Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians – 1930
I'm Doin' That Thing – John Vincent's Californians – 1930
I'm Doin' That Thing – Lou Gold and His Orchestra – 1930
I'm Doing That Thing – Ted Wallace and His Orchestra – 1930
I'm Doing That Thing – Three Ginx – 1930
I'm Missing That Thing – Hattie Hart – 1934
I'm Wild about That Thing – Bessie Smith – 1929
I'm Wild about That Thing – Tune Wranglers – 1936
I've Got That Thing – King Oliver and His Orchestra – 1929
If I Put That Thing on You – Sam Manning – 1934
Let Me Mash That Thing – Jelly Jaw Short – 1932
Mashing That Thing – Bo Carter – 1935
Mix That Thing – Black Bottom McPhail – 1932
Move That Thing – Carolina Peanut Boys – 1930
Move That Thing – Hattie Bolten – 1938
Move That Thing – Memphis Jug Band – 1930
New Shake That Thing – Mississippi Sheiks – 1932
Oh Willie, Play That Thing – Bill Krenz – 1952 – (instrumental – ragtime piano)
Play That Thing – Ollie Powers' Harmony Syncopators – 1923 – (instrumental)
Pluckin' That Thing – Sam Price and His Rockin' Rhythm – 1949 – (instrumental)
Shake That Thing – Abe Lyman and His Californians – 1926 – (instrumental)
Shake That Thing – Bill Wirges Orchestra – 1925
Shake That Thing – Busse's Buzzards – 1925
Shake That Thing – "Papa" Charlie Jackson – 1925
Shake That Thing – Clarence Williams' Blue Five – 1925
Shake That Thing – Ethel Waters, Pearl Wright – 1925
Shake That Thing – Fred Rich and His Orchestra – 1926
Shake That Thing – Jim Dandies – 1925
Shake That Thing – Kokomo Arnold – 1936
Shake That Thing – Original Indiana Five – 1926
Shake That Thing – Viola McCoy – 1926
Shake That Thing – Washboard Wonders – 1926
Shake That Thing – Wynonie Harris and His Allstars – 1954
She Can Use That Thing – Ed Bell – 1930
She's Dangerous with That Thing – Jimmy Jordan – 1932
Sing That Thing – Log Cabin Four – 1932
Smack That Thing – Walter Coleman – 1936
Sock That Thing – Dixie Thumpers – 1927 – (instrumental)
Somebody's Been Playing with That Thing – Blind Boy Fuller – 1935
Somebody's Been Using That Thing – Al Miller – 1929
Somebody's Been Using That Thing – Al Miller and His Market Street Boys – 1929
Somebody's Been Using That Thing – Callahan Brothers – 1936
Somebody's Been Using That Thing – Hokum Boys a.k.a. Famous Hokum Boys – 1930
Somebody's Been Using That Thing – Milton Brown and His Brownies – 1936
Somebody's Been Using That Thing – Tampa Red – 1934
Stomp That Thing – Alabama Rascals – 1932 (instrumental with scat singing)
Stomp That Thing – Frank Stokes – 1928
Stop That Thing – Sleepy John Estes – 1935
Strut That Thing – Cripple Clarence Lofton – 1935
Take That Thing Away – Alberta Hunter with Perry Bradford's Mean Four – 1925
Tappin' That Thing – James "Yank" Rachel – 1947
Tappin' That Thing – Randy Hughes – 1951 or '52
Tapping That Thing – Burse and Stephen – 1932
That Thing – Roy Eldridge and His Orchestra – 1937 – (instrumental)
That Thing Blues (Yo Yo Blues) – Carolina Washboard Trio – 1930
That Thing Called Love – Edith Wilson – 1922
That Thing Called Love – Ethel Ridley – 1923
That Thing Called Love – Mamie Smith – 1920
That Thing Called Love – Marion Harris – 1920
That Thing Called Love – Julia Jones with Perry Bradford – 1923
That Thing's a Mess – Kansas City Kitty and Georgia Tom – 1930
Try That Thing – Ed Macon and Tampa Joe – 1930
Using That Thing – Douglas Bine and His Dixie Ramblers – 1936
Waiting for That Thing Called Happiness – Al Vocale & His Crooners – 1930
Walk That Thing – Charlie Johnson and His Paradise Band – 1928 – (instrumental)
We Can Sell That Thing – Dobby Bragg (Roosevelt Sykes) – 1930
What's That Thing She's Shaking – Papa Charlie Jackson – 1934
What's The Name of That Thing – Chatman Brothers – 1936
When My Baby Starts to Shake That Thing – Harry Dial's Blusicians – 1930
Wigglin' That Thing – James McCravy, Ben Quillian, Rufus Quillian – 1931
Wringing That Thing – Tampa Joe and Macon Ed – 1929
You Put That Thing on Me – Elizabeth Washington – 1933
You Put That Thing on Me – Spark Plug Smith – 1933
You've Got That Thing – Bud Carson's Collegians – 1930
You've Got That Thing – Clicquot Club Eskimoes – 1929
You've Got That Thing – Colonial Club Orchestra – 1929
You've Got That Thing – Emile Petti and His Cosmopolitans – 1938
You've Got That Thing – Golden Gate Orchestra – 1930
You've Got That Thing – Leo Reisman and His Orchestra – 1929
You've Got That Thing – Maurice Chevalier – 1930
You've Got That Thing – Ted Lewis and His Band/Orchestra – 1929
You've Got That Thing – Tin Pan Paraders – 1930
You've Got That Thing – Tommy Bohn Pennsylvania Sirens – 1930
You've Got to Save That Thing – Ora Alexander – 1931

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21 Oct 17 - 04:25 PM (#3883761)
Subject: Lyr Add: THAT THING CALLED LOVE (Perry Bradford)
From: Jim Dixon

From the sheet music at Mississippi State University:


THAT THING CALLED LOVE
Words and music by Perry Bradford, ©1920.

1. Now I am worried in my mind.
People say that love is blind.
I fell in love just to see,
But now my sweetie don't love me;
So now the minutes seem like days,
And the days are long as years.
Since my baby went away,
Now I am always shedding tears.

CHORUS: That thing called love will make you sit and sigh.
That thing called love that money cannot buy,
'Twill make you sad, make you glad.
'Twill even drive your itty-bitty mama [or papa] mad.
That thing called love has such a funny feelin'.
That thing called love, it's got my brains a-reelin'.
All alone, feeling blue,
Never knew how much I really cared for you,
'Cause nobody knows what that thing called love will do.

2. I'm thinking yes night and day,
My gal's gone far, far away.
I don't know what I will do,
Because it makes me feel so blue.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder,
And I often sit and wonder:
Will she please come back to me,
And listen to my lonesome plea?

[Early recordings were made by Mamie Smith and Her Jazz Hounds, Marion Harris, Edith Wilson, Julia Jones, and Ethel Ridley.]

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21 Oct 17 - 04:28 PM (#3883762)
Subject: Lyr Add: THAT THING CALLED LOVE (from Mamie Smith
From: Jim Dixon

THAT THING CALLED LOVE
As recorded by Mamie Smith, 1920.

VERSE: I'm worried in my mind.
I'm worried all the time.
My friend he told me today
That he was going away and stay.
Now I love him deep down in my heart,
But the best of friends must part.
Now I want somebody please
To cure me of my love disease.

CHORUS: That thing called love will make you sit and sigh.
That thing called love that money cannot buy,
Will make you sad,
Will make you glad,
Will even drive your mama mad.
That thing called love has such a funny feelin'.
That thing called love will set your brain a-reelin'.
When you're alone, feeling blue,
You're thinking 'bout someone that don't care for you;
Then nobody knows what the thing called love will do.

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21 Oct 17 - 06:39 PM (#3883784)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: GUEST,Ray

How about the famous three -

1) What is this thing called love?
2) What! Is this thing called love?
3) What is this thing called? Love.

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21 Oct 17 - 09:14 PM (#3883799)
Subject: Lyr Add: DADDY, YOU'VE DONE PUT THAT THING ON ME
From: Jim Dixon

DADDY, YOU'VE DONE PUT THAT THING ON ME
As recorded by Martha Copeland, 1923.

VERSE: Liza Jane Green from New Orleans,
She's the cutest girl I've ever seen.
Her ways and actions are like a kewpie doll.
She thought no man on earth would ever make her fall,
But I know a brown that ain't no clown.
He's got such winnin' ways, he's the talk of town.
He kissed her sweet lips and made her feel gay.
His kisses were so sweet she was compelled to say:

CHORUS 1: Daddy, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you're satisfied.
It took a lots of lovin' and dignity
To make a wise gal like me decide.
You called me ten times on the telephone,
And made me promise you I would be your own.
Daddy, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you're satisfied.

CHORUS 2: Daddy, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you're satisfied.
It took a lots of lovin' and dignity
To make a wise gal like me decide.
You called me last night on that radio.
That's big mama Liza; I don't want you no mo'.
Daddy, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you're satisfied.

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21 Oct 17 - 09:38 PM (#3883800)
Subject: Lyr Add: BABY, YOU DONE PUT THAT THING ON ME
From: Jim Dixon

Apparently derived from the above song.


BABY, YOU DONE PUT THAT THING ON ME
As recorded by Leroy Carr with Scrapper Blackwell, 1929.

1: Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.
Takes a lots of lovin' and dignity
To make a man like me go wild.
Now you remember way last summer when the birds begin to sing,
You took all my money and my diamond ring.
Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.

2: Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.
Takes a lots of lovin' and dignity
To make a man like me go wild.
Now I ain't gonna stand your jive no mo'.
I want you to pack your trunk and go.
Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.

3: Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.
Takes a lots of lovin' and dignity
To make a man like me go wild.
Now listen here, baby: you might be all right,
But I can't stand that stuff of you stayin' out all night.
Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.

4: Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.
Takes a lots of lovin' and dignity
To make a man like me go wild.
Babe, I want you to get your suitcase packed.
I want you to go so far, now, plane won't bring you back.
Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.

5: Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.
Takes a lots of lovin' and dignity
To make a man like me go wild.
You spent all my money, and now I'm broke.
Now you wan't to leave me when my clo'es are in poke(?).
Baby, you done put that thing on me, now.
Guess you satisfied.

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21 Oct 17 - 10:16 PM (#3883802)
Subject: Lyr Add: DADDY, DON'T PUT THAT THING ON ME BLUES
From: Jim Dixon

This is a remarkable song. To me it sounds like a coded protest against sexual harassment.


DADDY, DON'T PUT THAT THING ON ME BLUES
As recorded by Clara Smith, 1929.

I'm goin' down to the circus to see that snake-charmin' man,
The man that's got that big black snake wrapped around his han'.
Right then and there I'll deliver this plea:
Mister snake charmin' papa, have mercy on me.
Here's what I'll say before the undertakers haul me away:

Oh, daddy, don't you put that thing on me.
I don't like it very much.
Daddy, don't you put that thing on me.
I simply can't stand the touch.
Don't like the way it looks, especially its head.
If you put it on me, papa, you will kill me dead.
You hear me screamin'.
You know what I'm meanin':
Don't you put that thing on me.

I know a big handsome papa called that snake-charmin' king,
A man that loves to show folks that big black thing.
He's just as nice as any man can be,
But he loves to put that thing on children like me.
Here's what I'll say if I should see him start comin' my way:

Oh, don't you dare to put that thing on me.
Go ahead and let me be.*
Now you know very well I can't stand that thing,
'Cause it always gives me such a chill.*
I don't like the way it looks, especially it twists.
If you put it on my hand, put it around my wrist.
You hear me screamin'.
You know what I'm meanin'.
Don't you dare to put that thing on me.


[* These lines ought to rhyme. They correspond to "much" and "touch" in the previous chorus. The lack of rhyme makes me think something has been changed or forgotten, but I don't know what.]

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22 Oct 17 - 12:07 AM (#3883808)
Subject: Lyr Add: DON'T PUT THAT THING ON ME (C Gibson)
From: Jim Dixon

DON'T PUT THAT THING ON ME
As recorded by Clifford Gibson, 1929.

Don't put that thing on me.
Don't put that thing on me.
I swear I'll be good, kind mama; don't put that thing on me.

Don't care what you say.
Don't care what you do.
You sure can't quit your woman if she put that thing on you.

She puts that thing on you.
She puts it on you right.
You can't eat when you get hungry, partner, and you can't sleep at night.

You can't sleep at night.
You can't sleep at night.
You can't eat when you get hungry, partner, and you can't sleep at night.

I asked a married woman
To let me be her kid.
She said she'd spread; she'd put that thing on me, and I couldn't keep it hid.

I couldn't keep it hid.
I couldn't keep it hid.
She say she'll spread; she'll put that thing on me, and I couldn't keep it hid.

My woman quit me,
Find her another man.
Any way she have that thing on me, I couldn't raise my hand.

Now from my experience,
I give you your advice:
If you got a good woman, partner, you got to treat her right.

You'd better treat her right.
You'd better treat her right.
If you got a good woman, partner, you'd better treat her right.

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22 Oct 17 - 01:03 AM (#3883810)
Subject: Lyr Add: YOU PUT THAT THING ON ME
From: Jim Dixon

YOU PUT THAT THING ON ME
As recorded by Spark Plug Smith, 1933.

VERSE: Liza Jim(?) Green from New Orleans,
The sweetest girl I've ever seen,
Her ways and her actions just like a Kewpie doll.
Was but one man in town could make Liza fall.
I stopped around, all sharp and keen.
Who fell for me was Liza Jim(?) Green.
I kissed her sweet lips and made her feel gay.
You ought to heard Liza when she yelled out and say:

CHORUS 1: Papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.
It took a lot o' loving an' ? (?)
To make a wise woman like me decide.
You ain't fat; baby, you ain't lean,
But you the best I ever seen.
Baby, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.

CHORUS 2: Papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.
It took a lot o' loving an' ? (?)
To make a wise woman like me decide.
You start shifting; your shifter's near.
You climb her hills without shifting one gear.
I said: papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.

CHORUS 3: I said: papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.
It took a lot o' loving an' ? (?)
To make a woman like me decide.
My name is Liza but they call me Sister Yearn(?).
I told Deacon Jones it wasn't a durn thing doin'.
I said: papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.

CHORUS 4: I said: papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.
It took a lot o' loving an' ? (?)
To make a wise woman like me decide.
Close up your windows; shut up your doors.
My daddy throws a mean yo-yo.
I said: papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.

CHORUS 5: I say: baby, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied.
It took a lot o' loving an' ? (?)
To make a wise woman like me decide.
What did the elephant say when he swallowed the cat?
I've got a stomach full o' kittens and it's tight like that.
Papa, you done put that thing on me.
I guess you satisfied, I mean,
I guess you satisfied.

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22 Oct 17 - 03:24 AM (#3883811)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: BobL

Not to mention the Pipkins' "Gimme Dat Ding"

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22 Oct 17 - 06:42 AM (#3883827)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: GUEST,Peter Laban

Yes, that's the one that immediately came up for me as the earworm for the day : Gimme dat ding

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24 Oct 17 - 07:54 AM (#3884247)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: clueless don

GUEST,Ray, Bennie Hill also gave us

4) What is this thing called, Love?

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25 Oct 17 - 11:00 AM (#3884541)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: GUEST,leeneia

Thanks for the poem, Jim.

I help teach refugees how to sew. Now I realize that two of the most important words to learn in a new language are "this" and "thing." When students are confused, they will point to a component and say "This thing? This thing?"

Recently the DH and I went to a swanky restaurant, and he ordered a martini. I am not lying when I say that the waiter asked him something about blue cheese.

There was a long silence, and then I said, "Did I hear you say something about blue cheese with respect to a martini?" And the waiter gave me a long look that seemed to say "If only my employer would permit me to give my honest opinion." Instead he said:

"You can order an olive stuffed with blue cheese. It's a thing."

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25 Oct 17 - 05:28 PM (#3884639)
Subject: Lyr Add: DO THAT THING (Rosa Henderson)
From: Jim Dixon

DO THAT THING
As recorded by Rosa Henderson, accompanied by Fletcher Henderson's Club Alabam Orchestra, 1924.

Do that thing; you just take me from home,
Just like the Teapot Dome.
Shake your feet.
Feel that heat.
Make me like it and you won your eats.

Through that pot,(?)
Slap your shoulders till they get red-hot.
You got to worry 'bout a half.(?)
You just my kind of man.
Hot coffee! Get off them grounds!

Go it, kid; you done won you a home,
Just like the Greeks took Rome.
Bend your knees.
You have won with ease.
Take me, please.

Oh, papa, just like a house mop,
You cleaned up; come and get your pork chop.
You can't dance,
But you don't have to when you do that thing.

Oh, papa, you throwed a seven.
Don't choke 'em; bring me eleven.
You can't sing,
But you don't have to when you do that thing.

Go on, Fletcher; do that thing!

Jump, rooster! Here comes your hen.


[Rosa Henderson and Fletcher Henderson were not related.]

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27 Oct 17 - 04:16 AM (#3884964)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: Georgiansilver

Gimme dat ting!      Not quite 'that thing but dat ting is more or less (perhaps less) the same.

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27 Oct 17 - 04:56 PM (#3885154)
Subject: Lyr Add: COME ON COOT AND DO THAT THING
From: Jim Dixon

COME ON COOT AND DO THAT THING
As recorded by Coot Grant and Wesley "Kid" Wilson, with Fletcher Henderson's Orchestra, 1925.

...(?)
Jimmy Walker, mayor of the town.
Now ? world's best dancer in your town.
But I'm the baby that turned that damper down.
Now when I walk into that hall,
You can hear ev'rybody squall.

(What'd they say?)

Come on, Coot, and do that thing.
Put on your boots and you do that thing.
You get yourself all up in a hump,
You do the funny dance just like the old folks hunt.
Honey, do that thing.
Now don't you change.
Now you flap your hands from side to side.
You get 'em way down and then you rise.
Now, if you got an idea, let it ring.
'Cause I can do, I can do, I can do that thing.
Honey, I mean, I can do that thing.

Now, come on, Coot, and you do that thing.
Put on your boots and you do that thing.
And get yourself all up in a hump.
You do this funny dance just like the old folks hunt(?).
Honey, do that thing.
(Now I'm doin' that thing.)
Honey don't you change.
Now you shake your shoulder from side to side.
If you shimmy here, mama, you gonna warble outside.
Now I've got and idea and I'll let it ring,
'Cause I'm a big fat mama and I can do that thing.
I mean, I can do that thing.

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27 Oct 17 - 05:24 PM (#3885163)
Subject: Lyr Add: TAKE THAT THING AWAY (Alberta Hunter)
From: Jim Dixon

TAKE THAT THING AWAY
Word and music by Andy Razaf
As recorded by Alberta Hunter with Perry Bradford's Mean Four, 1925.

Henry Johnson bought his gal a winter overcoat.
He thought that it would please her, but it simply got her goat.
It was second-handed, looked a little worn.
When she saw it, she raved and carried on.
Poor Henry hung his head
While his gal loudly said:

Man, take that thing away from me, 'cause I don't know where it's been.
It looks so bad, that if you tried to pawn it, you couldn't put it in.
Now the fur's moth-eaten; there's wrinkles in the skin.
It wouldn't fit me 'cause I'm too thin.
So take that thing away from here, 'cause I don't know where it's been.
I tell you this:
I don't know where it's been.

Now Lucy James refused it 'fore you brought it to me.
Man, you must think I'm crazy; can't you plainly see
It's been used by somebody's spouse?
It wouldn't satisfy me 'cause it's all worn out.
Take that thing away from me 'cause I don't know where it's been.
I don't want it!
I don't know where it's been.

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27 Oct 17 - 06:04 PM (#3885171)
Subject: Lyr Add: BETTER BOOT THAT THING (Bessie Tucker)
From: Jim Dixon

BETTER BOOT THAT THING
As recorded by Bessie Tucker, 1928.

There's a little dance just in town.
It must be easy 'cause I got it down.
They call it boot that thing.
Yeah, boot that thing.
Now you better stay home, learn how to boot that thing

A little red rooster, a big fat hen
Had a fight this mornin', sayin' we ain't no kin.
We ought to boot that thing.
Hey, boot that thing.
Now you better stay home, learn how to boot that thing.

The dog and the cat are no good friends.
The dog don't like it 'cause the cat won't grin.
He want to boot that thing.
Ah, boot that thing.
Now you better stay home, learn how to boot that thing.

Old aunt Dinah, sick in her bed,
She sent for the doctor and the doctor said:
You got to boot that thing.
Ah, boot that thing.
Now you better stay home, learn how to boot that thing.

Ah, boot that thing.

You want to make a man you love smile,
Shimmy half an hour, stop and rest awhile,
Then boot that thing.
Ah, boot that thing.
Now you better stay home, learn how to boot that thing.

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28 Oct 17 - 06:02 PM (#3885325)
Subject: Lyr Add: GOT MY MIND ON THAT THING (Clara Smith)
From: Jim Dixon

GOT MY MIND ON THAT THING
As recorded by Clara Smith, 1928.

Papa, O Papa, come listen to your mama sing. (2x)
I want to tell you, I got my mind on that thing.

There's only one reason I hang on to you. (2x)
You know it is: I've got my mind on that thing.

I can't sleep a wink when I lay down. (2x)
I roll and twist; I've got my mind on that thing.

Ain't no disgrace for me to love you the way I do. (2x)
So there's nobody's business; I've got my mind on that thing.

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28 Oct 17 - 06:42 PM (#3885329)
Subject: Lyr Add: STOMP THAT THING (Frank Stokes)
From: Jim Dixon

.I have no idea what he's talking about in this song.


STOMP THAT THING
As recorded by Frank Stokes, 1928.

Now my song's got tight; it won't treat me right,
Tryin' to keep good drinkin' whiskey out o' my sight
Till I could stomp that thing.
I mean the same thing.
Hey, I'm gettin' tired tellin' you 'bout hearin' that ding-dong ring.

Now a lonely guy(?), ballin' an' brown(?),
I think about the time since I left town.
Help me stomp that thing.
I mean the same thing.

Bring round the bottle stopper; let's bottle some beer.
The time done got too dry round here
For me to stomp that thing.
I mean the same thing.
And I'm gettin' tired tell you bout hearin' them ding-dong ring.

Now stomp it in the summer time; you needn't wait till fall.
[If you] don't stomp it right, you needn't stomp it at all.
Help me stomp that thing.
I mean the same thing.
And I'm gettin' tired tellin' you hearin' them ding-dong ring.

Now mama said one thing, my papa said the same:
Stompin' that thing is 'bout to change my name.
Now help me stomp that thing.
I mean the same thing.
An' I'm gettin' sick an' tired hearin' them ding-dong ring.

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29 Oct 17 - 03:43 PM (#3885511)
Subject: Lyr Add: DON'T BITE THAT THING (McFadden)
From: Jim Dixon

DON'T BITE THAT THING
As recorded by Charlie "Specks" McFadden, 1929.

Way down south among the sugar cane, (2x)
People down there they learnt to bite that thing just the same.

You can't live in Harlem without you get in the ring.
You can't hardly live in Harlem without you get in the ring.
Behold Seventh Avenue; they have learnt how to bite that thing.

Some bites it hot and some bites it cold. (2x)
I would not bite one, baby, to save your soul.

Some likes their molasses, they sop with cheap bread they make.
Some likes their molasses, sop it with the bread they make.
No you ain't gonna do bite that thing right in my face.

I had a friend had a gal; [and] they are not together now. (2x)
Seem like you'd bite that thing, mama, anyhow.

---

29 Oct 17 - 08:44 PM (#3885556)
Subject: Lyr Add: EVERYBODY LIKES THAT THING (Tarpley/Smith
From: Jim Dixon

EVERYBODY LIKES THAT THING
As recorded by Sam Tarpley & Ivy Smith, vocalists, with Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport on piano, 1929.

I got a brand-new song I'm goin' to sing,
And now I'm sure that you like that thing,
'Cause [CHORUS:] ev'rybody likes that thing.
Ev'rybody likes that thing.
I know you like it; ev'rybody likes that thing.

The old folks and the young folks too
Say they like it so well they don't know what to do.
Now ? [CHORUS]

I went to France 'way 'cross the sea.
The folks tried to take that thing from me.
Now ... [CHORUS]

There's lots o' things, mama, I know you love,
But that ain't half as good as what I'm speakin' of.
Now ? [CHORUS]

Old uncle Ned asked sister Kate;
He said: "Come on, mama; don't you hesitate."
Now ... [CHORUS]

I heard a great big rat tell a little bitty mouse:
"I want to see you down at my house."
Now ... [CHORUS]

My gal told me: "Daddy, don't you give it away."
She said: "You got somethin' good, you better make 'em pay,
'Cause ... [CHORUS]"

Listen here, mama: I'm mad an' evil, too.
I got somethin' good I wants to give to you,
'Cause ... [CHORUS]

Seen a flyin' man; his name was Will.
Said he couldn't see but he sure could feel.
Now ... [CHORUS]

---

06 Nov 17 - 12:22 AM (#3886979)
Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT'S THAT THING SHE'S SHAKING (Jackson
From: Jim Dixon

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.

---

06 Nov 17 - 08:26 AM (#3887059)
Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'VE GOT THAT THING (Cole Porter)
From: Jim Dixon

YOU'VE GOT THAT THING
Written by Cole Porter, 1929, from "Fifty Million Frenchmen"

I. As recorded by Maurice Chevalier, 1930

INTRO: Since first you blew in like a boisterous breeze,
I often have wondered, dear,
Why gentlemen all seem to fall on their knees
The moment that you appear,
Your fetching physique is hardly unique.
You're mentally not so hot.
You'll never win laurels because of your morals,
But I'll tell you what you've got:

1. You've got that thing; you've got that thing,
That thing that makes birds forget to sing.
Yes, you've got that thing, that certain thing.
You've got that charm, that subtle charm,
That makes young farmers desert the farm,
'Cause you've got that thing, that certain thing.
You've got what Adam craved when he
With love for Eve was tortured.
She only had an apple tree,
But you, you've got an orchard.
You've got those ways, those taking ways,
That make me rush off to Cartier's
For a wedding ring; you've got that thing.

II. Additional verses recorded by Bobby Short

2. You've got that thing; you've got that thing,
That thing makes vines prefer to cling.
Yes, you've got that thing, that certain thing.
You've got those looks, those fatal looks
That make book censors enjoy their books,
'Cause you've got that thing, that certain thing.
Just what made Samson be for years
Delilah's lord and keeper?
She only had a pair of shears,
But you, you've got a reaper.
You've got that power, the power to grip
That makes me map out a wedding trip
For early spring; you've got that thing.

3. You've got that thing; you've got that thing,
The thing that makes bees refuse to sting.
You've got that thing, that certain thing.
You've that kiss, that kiss that's warm,
That makes reformers reform reforms.
You've got that thing, that certain thing.
They tell us Trojan Helen's lips
Made ev'ry man her slavey.
If her face launched a thousand ships,
Well, yours could launch a navy.
You've got that lot, and such a lot,
It makes me think you're prepared for what
Any stork might bring; you've got that thing.

III. Additional verse ending recorded by Howard McGillin and others

You've got ideas inside your head
That make me order an extra bed
With an extra spring; you've got that thing.

---

07 Nov 17 - 03:49 PM (#3887373)
Subject: Lyr Add: TAPPIN' THAT THING (James "Yank" Rachel)
From: Jim Dixon

TAPPIN' THAT THING
As recorded by James "Yank" Rachel with Sonny Boy Williamson II, 1947.

1. Well, tappin' that thing is easy to do.
I got that thing for my particular use.

CHORUS: I been tappin' that thing, great God a'mighty!
Been tappin' that thing, great God a'mighty!
Ev'ry mornin' at eight you can hear me tappin' that thing,

2. Tappin' in the mornin' when I tapped at night.
Tapped that thing, I done tapped it dead right.

3. Went to the front door to get a shine,
Said go to the back do' and get it from behin'.

Ah, tap it down, boy!

4. Tappin' that thing is easy to do.
I got that thing for my particular use.

5. I done tol' you once; I done tol' you twice:
Don't be messin' 'roun' here with my wife.

6. Wear my shoes; you [can] wear your socks.
?(?) how you play that box.

Tap it again boy; I got 'em!

7. I don't need no wife, don't need no hope(?).
Somebody bring me another joke(?).

8. I tapped in the mornin' when I tapped at night.
Tapped that thing; I done tapped it right.

9. Listen here, people, what you done done:
Got my money; got me on the bum.

Ah, tap it now, boy!

---

07 Nov 17 - 04:15 PM (#3887378)
Subject: Lyr Add: TAPPIN' THAT THING (Randy Hughes)
From: Jim Dixon

Here's a western swing version of the above song:


TAPPIN' THAT THING
As recorded by Randy Hughes, 1951 or 1952

1. Now, ladies an' gents, I want to sing a little song.
If you listen right close, well, it won't take long.

CHORUS: I been tappin' that thing (tappin' that thing),
Tappin' that thing (tappin' that thing).
Ev'rybody's doin' it; ev'rybody's tappin' that thing.

2. Well, I tapped over here; I've tapped over there.
I've tapped and I've tapped till I've done it ev'rywhere.

3. I tapped last night 'fore I went to bed.
I woke up this mornin'; my tapper was dead.

4. I went to the doctor the other day,
An' he said I better find another way.

5. Can't hold a job and I'll tell you why:
After tappin' all night, I'm so weak I could die.

6. Got home this mornin' 'bout a quarter to four.
I thought I would tap it, well, just once more.

7. Now, they ain't no use o' me a-tappin' no more.
I've tapped and I've tapped till my feet got sore.

---

08 Nov 17 - 08:02 AM (#3887502)
Subject: Lyr Add: SOMEBODY'S BEEN PLAYING WITH THAT THING
From: Jim Dixon

SOMEBODY'S BEEN PLAYING WITH THAT THING
As recorded by Blind Boy Fuller, 1935.

1. Ida, Ida, where you stood last night?
Hair's all tangled; your clo'es ain't fittin' you right.

CHORUS: Just as sure as you born, somebody been playin' with that thing.
Just as sure as you born, Ida, somebody been playin' with that thing.

2. Little brown rooster said to little red hen:
"Ain't had no lovin' in a—don't know when."

3. You can always tell when your girls will treat you mean:
Your meals unregular, your house ain't ever clean.

(Play that thing now, boy. Yeah! I know somebody been playin' with that thing.)

4. Said how you remember that mornin', knock upon your do',
Had the nerve to tell me you don't want me no mo'.

5. Now you run here, doctor; run here quick.
Ida had somethin' this mornin' done made her sick.

6. Said that little brown rooster said to the little red hen:
"Meet me down at the barnyard 'bout half past ten."

---

14 Nov 17 - 09:06 AM (#3888533)
Subject: Lyr Add: I CAN'T USE THAT THING (Connie McLean)
From: Jim Dixon

I CAN'T USE THAT THING
As recorded by Connie McLean's Rhythm Boys, 1936.

[a] Say, boy, what's that thing you got there? A rug? (Yeah, a rug.)
How much you want for it? (Fifteen dollars.)
Fifteen dollars! (Yeah.)

[b] I can't use that thing. (Why you can't use it, man?)
I can't use that thing. (Why you can't use it?)
I wouldn't have that thing layin' around on my floor. (Play it, boy; play it.)

[a] Now you was here yesterday. (Yeah, I was.)
The day before? (That was me.)
You tried to get me to lay that same thing on my floor,

[b] But I can't use that thing. (Why you can't use it, man? Why you can't use it?)
I can't use that thing.
I wouldn't have that thing layin' around on my floor.
Now play it, Connie.

[a] Oh, what a pretty bed! (Yeah, it's a pretty bed.)
A pretty mattress. (Yeah, pretty mattress.)
What, no springs? (Yeah, no springs.)
No springs! (Nah, no springs.)

[b] I can't use that thing. (What's the matter with it, man?)
I can't use that thing. (It's all right, I think)
I wouldn't have that thing sittin' around on my floor.

[a] Now what's that man got over there on that wagon? Bananas? (Yeah, bananas.)
Bananas? (Yeah, bananas.)
Sure 'nough bananas? (Yeah, bananas.)

[b] Yes, I want that thing. (Yeah, you want that thing, didn't you?)
Yes, I want that thing. (That's a good thing, man.)
I will follow a banana man; I don't care wherever he goes.


[Parts labeled [a] are spoken over a vamp. Parts labeled [b] are sung, with a spoken response. In all cases, the responses are in parentheses; the other words are the lead singer's. Also, the spoken words are in italics; the rest are sung.]

---

14 Nov 17 - 12:59 PM (#3888575)
Subject: Lyr Add: I'M WILD ABOUT THAT THING (Bessie Smith)
From: Jim Dixon

I'M WILD ABOUT THAT THING
As recorded by Bessie Smith, 1929.

Honey, baby, won't you cuddle near?
Let sweet mama whisper in your ear.
I'm wild about that thing.
It makes me laugh and sing.
Give it to me, papa; I'm wild about that thing.

Do it easy, honey; don't get rough.
From you, papa, I can't get enough.
I'm wild about that thing.
Sweet joy it always brings.
Ev'rybody knows it; I'm wild about that thing.

Please don't hold it, baby, when I cry.
Give me ev'ry bit of it; else I'll die.
I'm wild about that thing.
Jada-jing-jing-jing!
All the time I'm cryin': I'm wild about that thing.

What's the matter, papa, please don't stall.
Don't you know I love it and I wants it all?
I'm wild about that thing.
Just give my bell a ring.
You can press my buttons; I'm wild about that thing.

Mmm, if you want to satisfy my soul,
Come on an' rock me with a steady roll.
I'm wild about that thing.
Yeah, I like your ting-a-ling.
Kiss me like you mean it; I'm wild about that thing.

Come on; turn the lights down low.
When you say you ready, just tell it so.
Mmmm,
I'm wild about that thing.
Come on and make me feel it; I'm wild about that thing.
'
Wild about it when you hold me tight,
Let me linger in your arms all night.
I'm wild about that thing.
My passion starts to fling.
Come on hear me cry: I'm wild about that thing.

---

14 Nov 17 - 01:45 PM (#3888581)
Subject: Lyr Add: I'M WILD ABOUT THAT THING (Tune Wranglers
From: Jim Dixon

Here's a song that made the crossover from blues (see Bessie Smith, above) to western swing, with some modifications.


I'M WILD ABOUT THAT THING
As recorded by the Tune Wranglers, 1936.

Honey, baby, won't you cuddle near?
Let sweet mama whisper in your ear.
It makes me laugh and it makes me sing.
Give it to me, mama; I'm wild about that thing.

CHORUS: Away, I'm goin' away, babe.
Honey, won't you follow me?

Take it easy, honey; don't get rough.
From you, mama, I can't get enough.
Sweet joy it always brings.
Ev'rybody knows I'm wild about that thing.

What's the matter, mama? Please don't stall.
I want your love and I want it all.
Just give my bell a ring.
You can press the button; I'm wild about that thing.

If you want to satisfy my soul,
Come on; rock me with a steady roll.
I like the way you ting-a-ling.
Kiss me like you mean I'm wild about that thing.

Come on, baby; turn the lights down low.
When you're ready just say: "Let's go."
It makes me like ivy cling,
Makes me feel I'm wild about that thing.

Wild about it when you hold me tight.
Let me linger in your arms so right.
Now my passion has got to fling.
Can't you hear me cryin' I'm wild about that thing?

---

14 Nov 17 - 04:50 PM (#3888600)
Subject: Lyr Add: I KEPT ON RUBBING THAT THING
From: Jim Dixon

I KEPT ON RUBBING THAT THING
As recorded by the State Street Swingers with Leonard Scott, 1936.

My gal bought me a washboard an' a tub.
Man, I put a shirt on the the board an' I started to rub,
And I just kept on rubbin', rubbin' on that doggone ol' thing.

She said: "Papa, please don't rub so rough!"
I said: "Baby, take it easy; I know my stuff."
Man, and I just kept on rubbin', rubbin' on that doggone ol' thing

I started to rubbin' rubbin' with care.
Why, she set way back there in one o' them good ol' chairs.
Man, I was rubbin', rubbin', rubbin' on that doggone ol' thing.

She says: "Papa, don't you know I like the way you rub?"
I say: "I know it, baby, 'cause I got the best washboa'd in this tub."
An' I was rubbin', rubbin', rubbin' on that doggone ol' thing.

I said: "Baby, please keep still.
If that stroke didn't get it, I know doggone well this'n will."
Man I just kept on rubbin' on that doggone thing.
(Yes, indeed, I's rubbin' too.)

And I got tired, man, an' started to sweat.
Then she had the nerve to say that I hadn't did nothin' yet,
While I was rubbin', rubbin', rubbin' on that doggone thing.

She raised her dress ...
"Oh, man," I said, "Let's do it again."
Baby, I kept on rubbin', rubbin' on that doggone thing.

Oh, rubbin' too! Oh, I mean, I's rubbin'. Don't tell me that I can't rub. Mm-hm. I'm rubbin'. Man, I'm still rubbin', rubbin' on that doggone thing.

---

14 Nov 17 - 10:11 PM (#3888619)
Subject: Lyr Add: SMACK THAT THING (Walter Coleman)
From: Jim Dixon

SMACK THAT THING
As recorded by Walter Coleman, 1936.

Now I wake up in the mornin', girls, feelin' sad.
You know I wants somethin' that I ain't never had.

CHORUS: You want to smack that thing; you want to smack that thing.
You want to smack that thing, mama; I ain't got a thing to give 'way.

I went to to my gal's house the other day and I didn't go to stay.
I got to smackin' that thing and I stayed all day.

Now it's pull down your window shade and close up your blin'.
It's keep the next-door neighbors from hearin' you whine.

I got a brass bed, mama, shine like the mornin' star.
I want to rock you in it ? like a Cadillac car.

I warn you, sweet mama; I'm gonna get you tol':
You ain't the onliest woman in the worl' ? your jelly roll.

The first time I met you stan'in' in my back do',
I tol' you ? actually quit walkin' no mo'.

Now the girls don't like me 'cause I'm young an' wild.
I can't he'p it, girls; I'm my mama's baby child.

Now you green cabin girls, you needn't flirt.
You got flyspecks on your underskirt.

---

17 Nov 17 - 07:56 AM (#3888984)
Subject: Lyr Add: I'M MISSING THAT THING (Hattie Hart, 1934
From: Jim Dixon

I'M MISSING THAT THING
As recorded by Hattie Hart, 1934.

My honey left me 'way last spring.
Ever since then I been a-missin' that thing.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Well, I hate to own it, baby, but I'm missin' that thing.

I miss it in the sunshine; I miss it in the rain.
I miss it so bad it gives me a pain.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Well, I hate to tell it, baby, but I'm missin' that thing.

I miss it in the spring, summer and the fall.
I miss it in the wintertime the worst of all.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Well, I hate to tell you, baby, but I'm missin' that thing.

Oh, I miss it when it's hot; I miss it when it's cold.
I miss it so bad it can't be told.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Well, I hate to tell you, baby, honey, but I'm missin' that thing.

Oh, honey, I'm missin' that thing.
Hear me talkin'; I'm missin' that thing.
Mama's walkin'; I'm missin' that thing.
Hear me cryin'; I'm missin' that thing.
Won't you come home, honey? Honey, I'm missin' that thing.

I miss it when I'm right; I miss it when I'm wrong.
I miss it, sweet baby, all night long.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Lord, I'm missin' that thing.
Don't you hear me talkin'? Baby, I'm missin' that thing.

Doggone it, I'm missin' that thing.
Hear me talkin'; I'm missin' that thing.
Mama cryin'; I'm missin' that thing.
I'm not lyin'; I'm missin' that thing.
Won't you hurry up, daddy? Mama's missin' that thing.

---

17 Nov 17 - 11:57 AM (#3889018)
Subject: Lyr Add: MIX THAT THING (McPhail, 1932)
From: Jim Dixon

MIX THAT THING
As recorded by Black Bottom McPhail with Scrapper Blackwell, 1932.

I went downtown to the music store.
They got a sign hangin' right by the door
Sayin': "Mixin' that thing.
We goin' to mix that thing.
For it's all over St. Louis; yes, we goin' to mix that thing."

Now my baby got a mixer and I have too,
And when we start to mixin', now it just won't do.
I like to mix that thing.
I like to mix that thing.
You can come over to my house; I'll show you how to mix that thing.

Now I went out the other night.
When I got back, somethin' wasn't goin' on right.
Somebody was mixin' that thing.
Somebody was mixin' that thing.
I put my ear to the keyhole; I heard somebody mixin' that thing.

Now I do mixin' ev'ry night.
When my mixer get out o' fix I want to fuss and fight.
I like to mix that thing.
I like to mix that thing.
And ev'rybody in town is wild about mixin' that thing.

Now I often hear grandma gettin' grandpa told:
"Look-a here, old man; you done got too old
For to mix that thing.
You can't mix that thing."
And it's all over St. Louis, thing about mixin' that thing.

Now the womens in new york they wears diamond rings,
But the womens in St. Louis they like to mix that thing.
I like to mix that thing.
I like to mix that thing.
And it's all over St. Louis; yes, I like to mix that thing.

Now here in St. Louis, 'bout to come to test,
Tryin' to see which one here can mix the thing the best.
I like to mix that thing.
I like to mix that thing.
And it's all over St. Louis; yes, I like to mix that thing.

---

17 Nov 17 - 04:58 PM (#3889046)
Subject: Lyr Add: MOVE THAT THING (Carolina Peanut Boys)
From: Jim Dixon

This has a jug-band sound.


MOVE THAT THING
As recorded by The Carolina Peanut Boys, 1930.

Last night my gal went to bed.
She put a pistol under my head.
I said: "Move that thing.
You got to move that thing.
If you want me to sleep here tonight you got to move that thing."

I got a job as a teamster and was out o' my place.
The mule backed up into my face.
I said: "Move that thing.
You got to move that thing.
If you want me to stay here, you got to move that thing."

A horse and a flea and two little mice
Went down in the cellar shootin' dice.
They moved that thing.
You got to move that thing.
If you want [mumbles] you got to move that thing.

Then the horse he slipped, fell on the flea.
The flea said ? the horse on me.
You got to move that thing.
You got to move that thing.
If you want me to stay here, you got to move that thing.

Said the little red rooster to the little red hen:
"You haven't laid an egg since I don't know when.
You got to move that thing.
You got to move that thing.
? you got to move that, move, move that thing."

---

17 Nov 17 - 10:23 PM (#3889062)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: Jackaroodave

The third and fourth verse split a wandering verse. The version I know goes like this:

A horse and a flea and three blind mice
Sat on a curbstone shooting dice.
The horse he slipped and fell on the flea.
"Oops" said the flea, "There's a horse on me."

The point is that in the dice game called "Horse," players who loses a round are said to have a horse on them. So I'd guess the ? word is either "there's" or "that's," and "the" might be "a."

---

17 Nov 17 - 11:47 PM (#3889068)
Subject: Lyr Add: SHE'S DANGEROUS WITH THAT THING
From: Jim Dixon

SHE'S DANGEROUS WITH THAT THING
As recorded by "Jimmy Jordan" (Lonnie Johnson), 1932.

Come on, people, just in time!
Buy your tickets and get in line.
This gal's goin' to move that thing.
Oh, man, how she can move that thing!
She's got me goin' goofy, about to go insane.

Police 'rested gal for shakin' in a dancin' hall.
She moved that thing for the judge and they had a ball.
You know she can move that thing.
Ah, man, she can move that thing.
Even the judges go nuts 'bout her movin' that thing.

Boy, she can move it easy; she can move it neat.
She move it so she give me thrill down in my feet.
You know she can move that thing.
Oh, man, she can move that thing.
If she ever push me, I'll make my home back in old St. James.

Now I taken this gal to church to learn her how to pray.
She start to movin' that thing, the preacher throwed his bible away.
Says: "Gal, move that thing.
Yes, come on, gal, let's move this thing."
Says: "My back was hurtin' but you done made me lose my pain."

Now, I taken this gal down in jungle land.
She put that thing on that medicine man.
You know she can move that thing.
Oh, man, she can move that thing.
Now she's leadin' ev'ry tribe down in Zulu land.

Now she made me pawn the clothes and the shoes off my feet,
The hat off my head and the bed where I sleep.
You know she can move that thing.
Oh, man, I'm nuts by her movin' that thing;
And if my gal ever quits me, I'll kill her and make my home in old St. James.

---

22 Nov 17 - 11:53 AM (#3889765)
Subject: Lyr Add: THAT THING'S A MESS
From: Jim Dixon

THAT THING'S A MESS
As recorded by Kansas City Kitty and Georgia Tom, 1930.

Run here, daddy; I want to show you what I got.
Can't stand you searchin' 'cause it sure is hot.

CHORUS: That thing's a mess.
I mean, that thing's a mess!
Ain't no need o' talkin'; that thing's mess to me.

It aint the worst; it ain't the best.
Ah, but you sure do handle it with a great success.

It aint old-time; it's right up to date.
Ought to come here and see it operate.

? I can't tell.
You can tell it's good by the way it smells.

Run here, sweet daddy; put your arms around my waist.
Come up and get yourself a little taste.

Let me put my hand on it, move it about.
It done got hot; now it's runnin' out.

Don't you let that ? rule you.
Ah, but it makes me feel so peculiar.

You understand me; I know you will.
This thing we talkin' 'bout's a liquor still.

---

22 Nov 17 - 10:43 PM (#3889882)
Subject: Lyr Add: TRY THAT THING (Ed Macon and Tampa Joe)
From: Jim Dixon

TRY THAT THING
As recorded by Ed Macon and Tampa Joe, 1930.

My gal eats grapefruit; now she's gettin' sour.
Used to want it ev'ry week; now she wants it ev'ry hour.

CHORUS: I'll try that thing.
I'll try that thing.
If she ever tells you 'bout it, you got to try that thing.

Had it buried deep, deep as a well,
An' if they don't bury deep, it's got an awful smell.

I've got a gal on Decatur Street.
I ain't no butcher; I want to cut that meat.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.
If the young 'uns don't try it, we old ones must.

If you see my gal tell her hurry home.
I ain't tried that thing since she's been gone.

If anybody asks you who composed this song,
Tell 'em you don't know the writer, macon ed put it on.

---

23 Nov 17 - 12:43 AM (#3889889)
Subject: Lyr Add: USING THAT THING (Doug Bine)
From: Jim Dixon

Another blues song that made the transition to western swing:


USING THAT THING
As recorded by Doug Bine and His Dixie Ramblers, 1936

1. Old Uncle Bud, past ninety-six,
Just got back from havin' it fixed.

CHORUS: Oh, yeah! (Somebody's been usin' that thing.)
Hey, hey! (Somebody's been usin' that thing.)
Sure as you're born, somebody's been usin' that thing.

2. ...
Two step out while the other one sings: CHORUS

3. Two old maids in a foldin' bed,
One turned over to the other and said: CHORUS

4. Had a little gal, she lived next door.
Used to come see me but she don't no more. CHORUS

5. Had a little gal, she lived on a hill.
She won't do it but her sister will. CHORUS

---

23 Nov 17 - 09:02 AM (#3889953)
Subject: Lyr Add: WE CAN SELL THAT THING (Roosevelt Sykes)
From: Jim Dixon

WE CAN SELL THAT THING
As recorded by "Dobby Bragg" (Roosevelt Sykes), 1930.

There you was down in them leaves.
Didn't have nothin' but a Limburger cheese.
We could smell that thing.
Ah, we may[be] could sell that thing.
It may be all right; we better try to sell that thing.

It may be just as good, just as good as gold.
Don't mess around and let it get too old,
'Cause we can sell that thing.
We can sell that thing.
Well, it may be all right, but we can sell that thing.

You go away and you stays all day.
When you come back you smellin' a diff'rent way.
We can smell that thing.
We can smell that thing.
Well, it may be all right, but we can smell that thing.

Well, I know somethin' that I won't say.
Ever'one says that you smell that ol' way,
We can smell that thing.
Oh, yeah, we can smell that thing.
'Course it may be all right, but we can smell that thing.

Well, I should tell you because you don't know.
People ask somethin' ev'rywhere I go.
They can smell that thing.
Oh, ah, they can smell that thing.
They say it may be all right, but still they can smell that thing.

Wind blow at night and the wind blows at day,
But it sure(?) when it blow you away.
We can smell that thing.
Ah, we can smell that thing.
Well, it may be all right; still we can smell that thing.

---

23 Nov 17 - 11:49 AM (#3889984)
Subject: Lyr Add: WHAT'S THE NAME OF THAT THING (Chatman)
From: Jim Dixon

A lot of words in this transcription are highly doubtful, but the song is too good to omit. Any help correcting it would be appreciated.


WHAT'S THE NAME OF THAT THING
As recorded by the Chatman Brothers (Lonnie and Sam, a.k.a. the Mississippi Shieks), 1936

Baby cook some mornin', turned my appetite.
Taste so good to me, can't get enough the other night.

CHORUS: What's the name o' that thing?
What's the name o' that thing?
What's the name o' that thing? Now, it really tast-es good to me.

Says it ain't no turkey; can't be no goose.
[Get a good evenin'] I dread to turn it loose.

Run 'round my kitchen, peeped through a crack,
Seen my gal wash the very thing we don't like.

Says it ain't no hen; can't be no guinea.
Help yourself, daddy; really got a-plenty.

Tell you 'tain't no horse; can't be no mule.
Any man don't like this meat, nothin but a fool.

Well, it ain't no steak; [too] tough to be veal.
[Does me good] from my head to my heel.

Says it ain't no mutton; can't be no pork.
Eat it long time, it's just like a billy goat.

---

24 Nov 17 - 06:13 PM (#3890245)
Subject: Lyr Add: WHEN MY BABY STARTS TO SHAKE THAT THING
From: Jim Dixon

A few words here are doubtful (as you can tell by the awkward grammar). Corrections are welcome.

WHEN MY BABY STARTS TO SHAKE THAT THING
As recorded by Harry Dial's Blusicians, 1930.

All the young boys still in their teens
Are the worst men that you ever seen
When my baby starts to shake that thing.
Ask all the guys whether it's good,
They will tell you best in the neighborhood,
When my baby starts to shake that thing.

All of the guys fall head over heels
When that bad gal tries her sex appeal,
When my baby starts to shake that thing.
She never has no kind of excuse
'Cause she believes it was made for use,
When my baby starts to shake that thing.

All of the guys say she's too tight.
Ev'ryone says she'll move it just right,
When my baby starts to shake that thing.
I'm tellin' you when she gets through,
There's nothin' left for the other gals to do,
When my baby starts to shake that thing.

---

26 Nov 17 - 12:31 PM (#3890524)
Subject: Lyr Add: YOU'VE GOT TO SAVE THAT THING (Alexander)
From: Jim Dixon

YOU'VE GOT TO SAVE THAT THING
As recorded by Ora Alexander, 1931

Jelly roll in the country, jelly roll in town,
Ain't no jelly roll sweeter'n mine.
You got to save that thing.
You got to save that thing.
Kiss me like you mean it; you got to save that thing.

My daddy started ? when he's nine days old.
He's a red hot papa from his head to his toe.
You got to save that thing.
You got to save that thing.
Don't you hear me pleadin'; you got to save that thing.

If you want to satisfy my soul,
Come on and rock me with a steady roll.
You got to save that thing.
You got to save that thing.
Ev'rybody knows it; you got to save that thing.

You can drink your whiskey late out at night,
But when you come home, baby, you better come right.
You got to save that thing.
You got to save that thing.
Don't you hear me cryin; you got to save that thing.

Jelly roll, jelly roll, layin' on the fence,
Ev'ry dog tryin' to get it ain't got no sense.
You got to save that thing.
You got to save that thing.
Don't you hear me pleadin'; you got to save that thing.

---

26 Nov 17 - 09:15 PM (#3890603)
Subject: Lyr Add: DRIVING THAT THING (Mississippi Sheiks)
From: Jim Dixon

DRIVING THAT THING
As recorded by The Mississippi Sheiks, 1930.

Old Uncle Bill, he was a spikin' man.
Laid down and died with his hammer in his hand
From drivin' that thing,
Oh, drivin' that thing.
All the lawyers in town talkin' 'bout him drivin' that thing.

Old Uncle Bill, he lived uptown.
Drivin' that thing has done carried him down.
Oh, drivin' that thing,
Oh, drivin' that thing.
Even down to the judges talkin' 'bout him drivin' that thing

Uncle Bill called the doctor, says: "Come here quick.
I done got my hammer out of fix.
I can't drive that thing.
I can't drive that thing."
All the lawyers uptown talkin' 'bout him drivin' that thing.

Uncle Bill got the doctor, the doctor said:
"Drivin' that thing is going to kill you dead."
Oh, drivin' that thing,
Oh, drivin' that thing.
Even down to the judges talkin' 'bout him drivin' that thing.

Uncle Bill was raggedy; he stayed out of sight.
Ev'ry time you meet him he would want to fight
About drivin' that thing,
About drivin' that thing.
All the lawyers uptown is talkin' 'bout him drivin' that thing.

Stayed out last night, the night before,
Come home this mornin' knockin' on his door.
He's just been drivin' that thing.
He's just been drivin' that thing.
Even down to the judges talkin' 'bout him drivin' that thing.

---

27 Nov 17 - 12:15 AM (#3890618)
Subject: Lyr Add: I LOVE THAT THING (Lillian Glinn)
From: Jim Dixon

I LOVE THAT THING
As recorded by Lillian Glinn, 1929.

I can't get enough lovin'; I will take it any time of day. (2x)
Now for me to get enough lovin', I better move in right away.

Loving is a thing I love better than I love my name. (2x)
And if you want to talk business, let's talk about that thing.

That thing, that thing, I'm screamin' about that thing. (2x)
It's the best old lovin', it's just like that yo-yo string.

I used to want my lovin' just like a churn goin' 'round and 'round, (2x)
But if you want me to love you, let's bounce it up and down.

---

27 Nov 17 - 12:46 AM (#3890619)
Subject: Lyr Add: I'VE GOT THAT THING (King Oliver)
From: Jim Dixon

I'VE GOT THAT THING
As recorded by King Oliver & His Orchestra, 1929.

I don't care if the sun don't shine
'Cause I've got that thing.
No one on earth will be right in line
Till they get that thing.
Before, all the girls wouldn't look at me.
Now they all rave for my company.
I knew someday they would fall for me,
'Cause I got that thing.

No one knows what it's all about
Until they get that thing.
It seems as though all the world is out
Looking for that thing.
It's a funny old thing, that's without a doubt.
It makes everyone on earth want to shout.
I wouldn't whisper; I would tell it out
That I've got that thing.

---

27 Nov 17 - 07:01 PM (#3890795)
Subject: Lyr Add: NEW SHAKE THAT THING (Mississippi Sheiks)
From: Jim Dixon

NEW SHAKE THAT THING
As recorded by the Mississippi Sheiks, 1932.

So cold up north till the birds can't sing.
The people down south is 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 ...[*] fixed
So I could shake that thing,
So I could shake that thing.
Well, the people down south are always tryin' to 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't shake that thing.
No, I can't shake that thing.
Well, the people down south will always shake that thing.

[* Elsewhere I have seen this word given as "toecaps." I find the actual audio unintelligible. It might be "toecaps"--or maybe not.]

---

19 Mar 23 - 02:18 PM (#4167966)
Subject: Lyr Add: SHAKE THAT THING (Ethel Waters)
From: Jim Dixon

You can hear this at the Internet Archive, here or here.


SHAKE THAT THING
As recorded by Ethel Waters (accomp. by Pearl Wright on piano) on Columbia 14116-D, 1925.

Down in Georgia, got a dance that’s new.
Ain’t nothin’ to it; it’s easy to do,
Called, shake that thing,
Ah, shake that thing.
I’m gettin’ sick an’ tired of telling you to shake that thing.

Now the old folks start doin’ it, the young folks, too,
But the old folks learned the young ones what to do
About shakin’ that thing.
Ah, shake that thing.
I’m gettin’ sick an’ tired of telling you to shake that thing.

Now Grandpapa Johnson grabbed Sister Kate.
He shook her like you shake jelly on the plate.
How she shook that thing!
Aw, she shook that thing.
I’m gettin’ sick an’ tired of telling you to shake that thing.

Why there’s old Uncle Jack, the jellyroll king.
He’s got a hump in his back from shakin’ that thing,
Yet he still shakes that thing.
For an old man, how he can shake that thing!
And he never gets tired of tellin’ young folks how to shake that thing.

Now it ain’t no Charleston, ain’t no pigeon wing.
Nobody has to give you no lessons to shake that thing
When ever’body can shake that thing.
Oh, I mean shake that thing.
I’m gettin’ tired of telling you how to shake that thing.

Hmmm.
With this kind o’ music, who wouldn’t shake that thing?

---

19 Mar 23 - 02:56 PM (#4167971)
Subject: Lyr Add: DO THAT THING (Jimmie Gordon)
From: Jim Dixon

You can hear this at the Internet Archive.


DO THAT THING
Words and music by Sox Wilson
As recorded by Jimmie Gordon and His Vip Vop Band, on Decca 7611 B, 1939.

Come on, gal, and do that thing.
You got your boots on, so do that thing.
Get yourself all up in a bunch,
Stretch a little bit, and do the Georgia hunch,
And do that thing.
Oh, baby, shake that thing.
Get a hump in your back, a sway in your knees,
And take your office(?) as much as you please.
You’re kinda good at it(?), so do it with a bang,
Come on, mama, and do that thing.
I mean, shift that thing.

Come on, gal, and do that thing.
Make your mind up and do that thing.
… way down to the flo’,
Bring yourself up nice and slow,
And shake that thing,
And don’t you break that thing.
Clap yo’ hands from side to side.
Rug-cut a little bit to test the jive.
You’re kinda good at it(?), so let it rain,
So come on, gal, and do that thing.
I mean, do that thing.

---

19 Mar 23 - 04:07 PM (#4167978)
Subject: Lyr Add: HOLD ON TO THAT THING (Bill Boyd)
From: Jim Dixon

You can hear this recording at the Internet Archive.


HOLD ON TO THAT THING
Words and music by Bill Boyd.
As recorded by Bill Boyd and His Cowboy Ramblers on Bluebird B-8823-B, 1941.

I went downtown to see my gal just the other night.
I knocked upon her big front door and knocked so sweet and light.
A great big guy with gleaming eyes came out and shook my hand,
And said: “Old pal, you’ve got a gal, so kindly understand—

CHORUS: “Hold on to that thing. Hold on to that thing.
It may be hot, but whether or not, hold on to that thing.
Hold on to that thing. Hold on to that thing.
It may be hot, but whether or not, hold on to that thing.”

She told that she loved me dear and that we’d soon be wed.
First she had a husband that would have to be shot dead.
She handed me a great big gun and then she kinda grinned.
I tossed it back into her lap and says: “Look here, my friend— CHORUS.

---

20 Mar 23 - 10:38 AM (#4168040)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: Georgiansilver

Gimme dat ting

---

20 Mar 23 - 12:09 PM (#4168050)
Subject: Lyr Add: I'M DOIN' THAT THING (Fields/McHugh)
From: Jim Dixon

You can hear this recording at the Internet Archive.


I'M DOIN' THAT THING
(Words by Dorothy Fields, music by Jimmy McHugh)
As recorded by by Earl Burtnett and His Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel Orchestra on Brunswick 4872, 1930.
From the MGM production “Love in the Rough.”

I’m doin’ that thing, gettin’ that swing, fallin’ in love. (I’m fallin’.)
I’m takin’ that leap, losin’ my sleep, livin’ on love. (I’m livin’ on love.)
Ev’ry time I dream, I need a kiss. (Oh, I need a kiss.)
Might as well be crazy as be like this. (I might as well be crazy.)

I’m startin’ to rave, ravin’ to start, followin’ through. (I’m ravin’.)
I’m savin’ to try, tryin’ to save, making you blue. (I never will be blue.)
Tell your mother just what I’m thinkin’ of. (Oh, oh, oh, oh!)
I’m doin’ that thing, fallin’ in love. (Oh, oh [scat].)

- - -
Another recording on the Internet Archive:
Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians.

More recordings on YouTube:
Gus Arnheim and His Coconut Grove Orchestra, with vocal by Ambassador Trio.
Van Phillips and His Orchestra, with vocal by Maurice Elwin
Lou Gold and His Orchestra, with vocal by Irving Kaufman

---

30 Apr 23 - 02:12 PM (#4171181)
Subject: Lyr Add: SWING THAT THING (Joel Mabus)
From: Jim Dixon

SWING THAT THING
As recorded by Joel Mabus on “The Naked Truth,” 1988.

Ever’body gather round
When they hear that swing's in town.
Ever’body say: swing that thing!

When a man starts to play,
Ever’body say: “Hey!
Hey, hey, hey, buddy, swing that thing!”

Yeah, swing it hot; swing it cool; make that rhythm pop.
Once you start to swing that thing, there’s trouble if you stop.

Professors in music school
Tell the kids: “Forget the rules.
Just hold on tight now an’ swing that thing!”

[instrumental break]

Now, bluegrass pickers forget their licks.
Peter, Paul, and Mary, they drop their picks
When people ask them to swing that thing.

Musicians from the hearts of space*
Raise their hands and slap their face.
They say: “I didn’t know we could actually swing that thing!”

Yeah, it drives women crazy, makes men insane.
Once you start to swing that thing, you’ll never be the same.

Kids forget to rock ’n’ roll.
Grandpa, he just lose control
When grandma says: “Couldn’t swing that thing.”

[instrumental break]

Now, Louie was the king of France
But Louie didn’t stand a chance
When the people said: “Swing that king!”

Luther told the pope o’ Rome,
Said: “Pops, leave your stuff at home,
Man, ’cause people up here, we want to do that Swingli thing.”

Yeah, swing it high, swing it low, swing it upside down.
Once you start to swing that thing, you’ll never touch the groun’.

Mozart said to J. S. Bach,
Said: “Johann, put your horn in hock,
Man, ’cause you ain’t never gonna swing your thing!”

[begins instrumental break]

Swing it, Johann!
[Plays a bit of the counterpoint to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” without swinging it.]
Nice try! Swing that thing!

[finishes instrumental break]

Yeah swing it high, swing it low, swing it upside down.
Once you start to swing that thing, you’ll never touch the groun’.

Now the people come from miles aroun’
When they hear the swing’s hit town.
Ever’body say: “Swing that thing!”
Ever’body say: “Swing that thing!”

- - -
* Reference to a weekly syndicated radio show called Music from the Hearts of Space, later Hearts of Space, that featured ethereal “New Age” and electronic music.

---

02 May 23 - 08:24 PM (#4171370)
Subject: RE: Songs about 'That Thing'
From: Gibb Sahib

"Doo Wop (That Thing)" - Lauryn Hill (1998)

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