Andrae Crouch - Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus (from the Jeffersons TV Show)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a clip from a 1981 episode of the American television show The Jeffersons. In this clip Andrae Crouch sings a version of the praise song that he composed "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus".

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, historical, religious, aesthetic, and entertainment purposes.

In addition to the song itself, I'm particularly interested in how this television clip documents, sometimes humorously, the use of call & response in African American churches. I'm also interested in how this clip documents double time and other types of handclapping as accompaniment to Gospel singing & music playing.

FEATURED VIDEO
The Jeffersons featuring Gospel Singer Andrae Crouch - Men of the Cloth (Part 2 of 2)


Uploaded on Jun 21, 2010

George tries to fool gospel singer Andrae Crouch into singing at his grand-daughter's baptism. (1981)
-snip-
Andrae Crouch sings his composition "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus". That title means "no one can take care of me [care for me] like Jesus.

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PARTIAL LYRICS
Can’t nobody do me like Jesus
Can’t nobody do me like the Lord
Can’t nobody do me like Jesus
‘Cause He’s my friend

[other words sung by the Lead]
I came to Jesus just as I was
weary worn and sad

I found in Him a resting place
and He has made me glad

He’s my friend over troubled waters
He’s my joy in the midst of sorrow
-snip-
After it appeared that the song had ended, the singing begins again with double time clapping accompaniment. This common feature of Gospel singing can lead to extended "Praise breaks" -Definition of "Praise Break":
A praise break is an unscripted portion of a Christian worship service when individuals feel the [Holy] Spirit and spontaneously praise & worship God by “getting happy” (shouting). When people feel the spirit during a praise break they may testify (give praise to God), do a holy dance, jump up and down, speak in tongues (speak words that aren’t part of any language), cry, become distraught, lift their hand/s to heaven, etc. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/05/black-church-praise-break-videos-part.html for videos of praise breaks.

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RELATED LINKS
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUsL47G5FMg for Part I of this television episode.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/cant-nobody-do-me-like-jesus-black-talk.html for a video of this song aws performed by the Reverend James Cleveland & Choir.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to Andrae Crouch for composing "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus". My thanks also to the actors and actresses, producers, writers, and staff associated with the Jeffersons. Thanks also to the uploader of this featured video (as well as Part I of this episode whose hyperlink is given above.)

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

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Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus (Black talk in Gospel song & comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a 1980 video of Rev. James Cleveland & choir singing an arrangement of Andrae Crouch's song "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus".

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, linguistic, historical, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

As a means of folkloric documentation, I've included in this post my transcription of Rev. Cleveland's comments that he made as an introduction to this song. Also as a means of folkloric and linguistic documentation, I've presented selected comments from this video's YouTube comment thread which include certain words or phrases from African American English. That section of this post also includes a definition of the sentence "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus".

All copyrights remain with their owners.

REVEREND JAMES CLEVELAND'S INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS
I went to ah little sanctified church* one night
And they sang ah little song. And I wanna sing it for you tonight.
That little song stayed on my mind.
And the words of the little song that I heard the saints singin
said “Can’t nobody… can’t noooobody….can’t nobody do me like Jesus.

I wonder if I could getcha to do me ah favor for ah minute.
[audience member – Go head. Go head]
Wonder if I could getcha
[more comments from the congregation]
to put yah pocketbooks down.
Make sure you got yah money now.
Don’t never shout without your money
‘Cause everybody around you is not saved, you know
[enthusiastic audience responses, including handclapping].

I love the sanctified church
[audience responses after each of the following comments]
‘Cause the saints don’t mind clappin their hands.
They don’t mind pattin their feet.
They don’t mind daaaancin*
Hallelujah!

I want you to come on in the balcony,
down here on the main floor,
put your hands together,
let’s praise God for ah minute,
come on.
[Song begins]
-snip-
This transcription by Azizi Powell from the video.
The organist plays in response to the words that Rev. Cleveland speaks. This is an example of a call & response pattern that is familiar in African American churches, particularly towards the end of the pastor's sermon.
*sanctified church - Generally speaking, a "sanctified church" is a referent to a Christian church whose members [saints] are saved [have taken Jesus as their Lord & Savior] and show that they feel the Holy Spirit. "Scantified church" is often used as a referent for Holiness churchs, and/or other Pentacostal churches.
**The type of dancing that Rev. Cleveland refers to is "holy dancing" when people move [including dancing] as a result of feeling the [Holy] Spirit. The word "shout" used to refer to a form of moving to evoke the Holy Spirit and/or as an expression of the Spirit. However, nowadays "shout" usually means "to sing and shout [to exclaim loudly confirming statements such as "Amen! and "Hallelujah!"].
**
Corrections & additions to this transcription and Editor's notes are welcome.

FEATURED VIDEO
Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus


pannellctp, Uploaded on Nov 18, 2010

Rev. James Cleveland Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus on the Gospel album
-snip-
This is only one arrangement of the Gospel praise song "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus". According to several commenters, this video is from the 1980 movie "The Gospel" [The Legends Of ospel] which was recorded in Oakland, California.

In addition to the singing and musicians' playing, I love the double time handclapping that the choir does.

MEANING OF SELECTED AFRICAN AMERICAN ENGLISH WORDS & PHRASES
(found in the song's title and in selected YouTube comments)

"Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus"
Meaning: to take care of
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/DO
"a phrasal verb
do for
To care or provide for; take care of. [no sentence given]"
Example- song title
In the context of this Gospel song, "to do somebody" DOES NOT mean anything sexual.
**
old school
Meaning: the old way of doing things. Calling music [in particular] "old school" is often a compliment, but calling something "old fashioned" is usually at least mildly insulting.
Examples:
I admire you for being 16 yrs old and saying the new school music just not it! You are so right. See i am old school and my pastor was my uncle so i practically LIVED at church, and boy we sang all these kind of songs. But believe me we have some churches out their still praising God like the old school ones! I am in one still like this , i pray that God leads you to one in your city thats praising God just like this too! They are out there you just have to find it sweetie, be blessed!
-bgw48, 2012

Why can't my generation gospel artist make a song like this every now and then. I love old school gospel..
-Kaprice Parker, 2012
**
get down
Meaning: [In this context] to take things to their elemental, basic essential level; to be real (for real) without artificial words or actions
(I believe that "get down" is a shortened form of “get down to the real nitty gritty” which means the same as the above. Another common expression is [was?]"It's about to get real up in here". In this context, "real" is the opposite of "fake". Example:
I'm 16 years old and I have never been to a church that can get down like this. I guess because too many of em' play church nowadays. I can't stop dancing in my chair the music is so good. We need more people who can get down like this! New school music just ain't getting like this is! And the CHURCH!
-skaterjorji12, 2012
**
a dead church
Meaning: According to many African Americans (and other Black people) a "real church" is one in which people aren't stiff or silent,[dead] but freely and enthusiastically express their faith. Read the meaning for "get down".

Example:
NOW THIS WHAT YOU CALL HAVING CHURCH,I CANT STAND A DEAD CHURCH,JESUS IS NOT DEAD HE STILL ALIVE,THANK YOU JESUS FOR SAVING ME!!!!!!!!
-tamika porter, 2012
go down
Meaning: something real is going to happen [read the definition above for "get down"
Example:
I love the fact that he is sweating before he even starts singing... OH YOU KNOW ITS ABOUT TO GO DOWN love good old Church
-vanpackbobo, 2012
**
to get my praise on
Meaning: to praise God
Example:
"Oh my GOD I simply love it this is the kinda Holy ghost music that use to get me through some tough times in my younger years and now that Iam older and finally got a computer and youtube upload and can find alot of the back in the day gospel I use to listen, get my praise on like crazy and stomp on that devil on a constant in Jesus name amen!!!"
Tammy112359, 2012
**
a beast
Meaning: someone who performs powerfully, extraodinarily well...
Perhaps this meaning comes from the sense that someone who does something extraodinarily well or powerfully has no societally imposed restraints or limits, just as beasts don't recognize any societal, artificially imposed limits. At least in part for that reason a person who is called "a beast" performs better than those who recognize and adhere to limits.
Examples:
that bass player is a beast!
-rayj1013, 2011

WOW!!!!!!!! This video is so POWERFUL HOLYGHOST FILLED, I loved it and That Drummer is a BEAST!!
musiqlover1, 20112
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS
My thanks to Andrae Crouch for composing "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus", and thanks to Rev. James Cleveland for this arrangement. Thanks also to the singers and musicians, the uploader of this video, and those whose comments are quoted in this post.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

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Four Examples Of "Stagger Lee"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases sound files or videos of Mississippi John Hurt, Lloyd Price, Taj Mahal, and Wilson Pickett singing versions of the Blues/R&B classic "Stagger Lee".

Information about this song are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All rights remain with their owners.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE SONG "STAGGER LEE"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stagger_Lee_(song)

"Stagger Lee", also known as "Stagolee", "Stackerlee", "Stack O'Lee", "Stack-a-Lee" and several other variants, is a popular folk song based on the murder of William "Billy" Lyons by Stagger Lee Shelton...

The first published version of the song was by folklorist John Lomax in 1910. The song was well known in African American communities along the lower Mississippi River by the 1910s.

Before World War II, it was commonly known as "Stack O'Lee"... In Mississippi John Hurt's version, as in all such pieces, there are many (sometimes anachronistic) variants on the lyrics. Several older versions give Billy's last name as "De Lyons" or "Deslile".

-snip-
Warning: That Wikipedia page includes profanity.
-snip-
From http://reocities.com/SunsetStrip/stage/8376/stagger_lee_1.html

The legend of Stagger Lee is one of the most important and enduring stories from American folklore. Although it has had some popularity with the white community, it is a story that comes from the African-American oral tradition. There are many different versions of the tale, but here is the general storyline. Stagger Lee (also known as Stagolee, Stackerlee, Stackalee etc.) gets into a dispute with a man named Billy DeLyon (also known as Billy the Lion or Billy Lyons) after losing his Stetson hat to Billy while gambling. Stagger Lee pulls a gun (sometimes identified as a .45, other times as a "smokeless .44") on Billy who then pleads to be spared for the sake of his wife and children. Showing no compassion at all, Stagger Lee cold-bloodedly shoots and kills his opponent...

-snip-
Click http://www.planetslade.com/stagger-lee2.html for multiple pages of information about Stagger Lee Shelton, including the following theory:

"Shelton may have taken his 'Stack Lee' nickname from a white man called Stacker Lee, whose father owned the famous Lee Steam Line of riverboats...Travelling up and down the Mississippi between St Louis and New Orleans, he became well-known as a gambler, a hell-raiser and a ladies' man. He made a habit of fathering illegitimate children wherever his boat put in, often by black or mixed-race women.

It's very unlikely that Shelton was really Stacker Lee's son - the dates and locations are all wrong for that - but he may well have adopted his nickname to hint at that possibility. Shelton's light skin, described by Jefferson Penitentiary as a “mulatto complexion”, would have made it easy for people to believe he had a white father. Who could blame him for hinting that father was the glamorous son of a powerful, rich family?

-snip-
Also, click http://www.stackolee.net/ for a list of hundreds of recordings of "Stagger Lee" ("Stack O Lee").

FEATURED SONG EXAMPLES
Example #1: Mississippi John Hurt - The Ballad Of Stagger Lee



Uploaded by JTgrimteam on Jul 20, 2010

In My Opinion ; One Of the Best And Most Genuine Musical Pieces Ever Recorded. Mississippi John Was an Amazing Musician And Human Being.

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Example #2: Lloyd Price - Stagger Lee


Uploaded by RoverTCB on Apr 29, 2008

The first censored rock n roll record to be a n°1 hit
-snip-
The Wikipedia page whose link is given above includes information about how Dick Clark, the host of the television program "American Bandstand" made Lloyd Price change the lyrics of this song for that show's performance.

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Example #3: STAGGER LEE (1969) by Taj Mahal



Uploaded by wilsonmcphert on Nov 5, 2009

...I have done a slideshow video for this song and to try and help tell the story.

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Example #4: stagger lee - wilson picket



youknowstone, Uploaded on Mar 19, 2008
wicked live
-snip-
This singer's nickname was "The Wicked Wilson Pickett".

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS
My thanks to the composer/s of this song. My thanks also to the vocalists, and musicians featured in these sound files and this video. Thanks also to the uploaders of these sound files & video, and to those whose comments are quoted in this post.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

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Three Sound Files Of The Blues Song "The Little Red Rooster"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases sound files of Bowlin Wolf, Big Mama Thornton, and Sam Cooke singing the classic Blues song "The Little Red Rooster".

Information about & lyrics of this song are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All rights remain with their owners.
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INFORMATION ABOUT "THE RED ROOSTER" (THE LITTLE RED ROOSTER)SONG
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Red_Rooster

"Little Red Rooster" (or "The Red Rooster" as it was first titled) is a song that is a classic of the blues. Howlin' Wolf recorded "The Red Rooster" in 1961, a song credited to blues arranger and songwriter Willie Dixon, although earlier songs have been cited as inspiration. A variety of performers have interpreted it, including Sam Cooke, Willie Mabon, The Doors, and The Rolling Stones, who had important record chart successes with the song.

Earlier songs

The rooster is a theme in several blues songs from the 1920s and 1930s, with Charlie Patton's "Banty Rooster Blues" (1929 Paramount 12792) being identified as "obviously inspiring" "Little Red Rooster". Although musically the songs are different, there are some similarities in the lyrics. Patton's song includes "What you want with a rooster, he won't crow 'fore day" and "I know my dog anywhere I hear him bark", analogous to Dixon's "I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow 'fore day" and "Oh the dogs begin to bark..." Memphis Minnie's "If You See My Rooster (Please Run Him Home)" (1936 Vocalion 03285) contain the lyrics "If you see my rooster, please run 'im on back home", similar to Dixon's "If you see my little red rooster, please drive 'im home".

In 1950, Margie Day with the Griffin Brothers recorded an uptempo jump blues titled "Little Red Rooster" (Dot 1019). The song was described as "pack[ing] a load of oomph into this tangy up blues, with okay combo boogie in back". The song was a hit, reaching number five in the Billboard R&B chart in 1951. Day's lyrics include "Got a little red rooster, and man how he can crow...He's a boss of the barnyard, any ol' place he goes". The song is credited to Edward and James Griffin and, although it is titled "Little Red Rooster", it is not the same musically or lyrically as the Dixon song...

FEATURED SOUND FILES

Example #1: Howlin' Wolf - Little Red Rooster ( Chess )



cojwat, Uploaded on Apr 23, 2010
Recorded on Chess label. There is [sic] also other versions in YouTube, but I think they are all worth of listening and many times.

Howlin' really is one of the greatest artists the blues ever produced, he was a musical giant in every way.

I hope owners of the rights want to see this as an honor to this artist, which it really is. And same goes to these random photos and paintings, which I have found from net.
The iconic photos of Wolf howling with guitar at 1:03 and 1:10 are used with kindly permission by Sandy Guy Schoenfeld , please visit http://www.howlingwolfphotos.com
-snip-
LYRICS: THE RED ROOSTER
(written by Willie Dixon)

I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for days.
I have a little red rooster, too lazy to crow for days.
Keep everything in the barnyard, upset in every way.

Oh the dog begin to bark,
and the hound begin to howl
Oh the dog begin to bark, hound begin to howl.
Ooh watch out strange kin people,
Cause the little red rooster is on the prowl.

If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home.
If you see my little red rooster, please drag him home/
There ain't been no peace in the barnyard,
Since the little red rooster been gone

[transcribed by AP from the sound file].

Attention: On a number of online lyric sites, the lyrics for this song's first line are usually given as "I am a little red rooster". That is the way that the British rock group The Rolling Stones sung that line and not the way that it was sung by Howlin Wolf.

Also, those same websites give the line "watch out strange kind people" instead of "strange kind people".

Americans usually say "kin folk" instead of "kin people". Willie Dixon may have been playing with that phrase by making it hyper-correct.
-snip-
Here's an interesting comment from that video's viewer comment thread: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vr-DR5HdKw

Posted by Heronmist, September 2012
"The thing about this song is that it really should be sung by a woman - it complains about her 'rooster' going astray. Originally by Memphis Minnie in the 1930's and later by Big Mama Thornton, women did sing it but it seems to have become a man's song via this spine-chillin version by Howlin and the (faithfully derivative) Stones cover.

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Example #2: Little Red Rooster by Big Mama Thornton



Layoutzz, Uploaded on Aug 1, 2008
-snip-
LYRICS: THE RED ROOSTER
(as performed by Big Mama Thornton in the sound file above)

Got ah little red rooster, and that rooster is too lazy to crow for day.
Got ah little red rooster. You know that rooster too lazy to crow for day.
Keeps everything in the barnyard, Wooh! Oh Lord! upset in every way.
He keeps all the hens, keeps them fightin among themselves [makes sound of rooster]
He keeps all the hens, keeps them fightin among themselves. [Makes rooster sound]
Because he don’t want his hens, Wooh! a’layin eggs for no one else.

Oh* the dog next door begin to bark,
Wooh! And the hound begin to howl [make howing sound]
Oh! the dog next door begin bark, hound begin to howl
Said you better watch out all you girls
because Big mama’s red rooster
He’s on the, on the prowl, oh yeah!

[music]
Ah! Play your solo!

I said he keeps all the hen j
Keeps all the hens, wooh lord! fightin among themselves
Said because he don’t want those Keeps all the hens
You know I’m talking about that red rooster
If you see Wooh! my red rooster, just send him on home
If you see that little ole red rooster
Please, please send ‘em home.
Because we haven’t had no peace in the barnyard
Since that little red rooster
I’m talkin bout that little red rooster,
I mean that ole little bitty rooster
Wooh! Cock e doodle doodle
Child! Child! Since that little red rooster, ah rooster ah rooster been gone.

[transcribed by AP from that sound file]
* This might be the word "heard".

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Example #3: Sam Cooke Little Red Rooster



Jazzysclassicjazz, Uploaded on Dec 12, 2010
1963 album Night Beat

[This sound file features] Billy Preston [playing the] Hammond B3
-snip-
The lyrics to this version are very much like those sung by Howlin Wolf, except that Sam Cooke can be clearly heard singing "Watch out all you kin folks". Also, Sam Cooke sings the "keeps all the hens fighting" lyrics as the third verse of this song.

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RELATED LINKS
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAbDjKg9Zww for a sound file of Charley Patton's 1929 song "Banty Rooster Blues" that was mentioned in the Wikipedia excerpt above.

Unfortunately, I didn't find a rendition of Memphis Minnie singing a Red Rooster song, but click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhis33IOXN0 for another song sung by Memphis Minnie.

Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfJVeHKVcE8 for a video of the Rolling Stones performing "Red Rooster".

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS
My thanks to the composers, vocalists, and musicians featured in these sound files and video. Thanks also to the uploaders of these sound files & video, and to those whose comments are quoted in this post.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

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Dancehall Reggae - Bam Bam Riddim

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a samplying of Dancehall Reggae songs that have the Bam Bam riddim (rhythm). This post also includes information about the meaning of the Jamaican Patois term "riddim".

The content of this post is presented for historical, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEANING OF THE TERM "RIDDIM"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riddim

Riddim is the Jamaican Patois pronunciation of the English word "rhythm," but in dancehall/reggae parlance it refers to the instrumental accompaniment to a song. Thus, a dancehall song consists of the riddim plus the "voicing" (vocal part) sung by the deejay. The resulting song structure may be taken for granted by dancehall fans, but is in many ways unique. A given riddim, if popular, may be used in dozens—or even hundreds—of songs, not only in recordings, but also in live performances..."Riddims are the primary musical building blocks of Jamaican popular songs.... At any given time, ten to fifteen riddims are widely used in dancehall recordings, but only two or three of these are the now ting (i.e., the latest riddims that everyone must record over if they want to get them played in the dance or on radio).... In dancehall performing, those whose timing is right on top of the rhythm are said to be "ridding di riddim"...

African in origin (see clave (rhythm) and bell pattern),riddims can generally be categorized into three types. One of the oldest types of riddim is the classical riddim providing roots reggae, dub and lovers rock with instrumentals, such as Bam Bam, produced by Sly & Robbie. The second type is the ragga riddim backing raggamuffin and dancehall songs, such as the Juice riddim, produced by Richard "Shams" Browne. The third type is the digital riddim, such as Sleng Teng, produced by King Jammy.

So-called digital riddims refer to riddims created around the time that Jamaican producers incorporated drum machines and synthesizers into reggae-music production. Nowadays, however, most dancehall and soca riddims are created by electronic instruments, so, in essence, almost all are digital.

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FEATURED SOUND FILES
Example #1: Bam Bam Riddim



raggabeats, Uploaded on Feb 3, 2010

Bam Bam Riddim
Producer: Lowell Charles "sly" Dunbar & Robert "Robbie" Shakespear
Label: Taxi

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Example #2: Chaka Demus & Pliers - Bam Bam



lmfrade, Uploaded on Feb 28, 2008

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Example #3: Sister Nancy - BAM BAM



johnreign Uploaded on Dec 7, 2007

I heard this song while playing skate and decided to upload

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Example #4: Bam Bam Mix (Chaka Demus/Pliers etc..)

BootCampWuTang•110 videos

Uploaded on May 28, 2008


Bam Bam Mix (Chaka Demus/Pliers etc..)
-snip-
A song list was provided in this sound file's viewer comment thread by Mayapaszek, 2011
Play list: 1. Faith Evans - Love like This Before
2. Pliers - Bam Bam (Original Toots and The Maytals – Bam Bam) 3. Chaka Demus & Pliers - Murder she wrote
4. Nardo Ranks - Them a bleach (and no Buju Banton haven't made a number like this. Nardo do say Buju in his song, but not that he is Buju. He is saying "Buju Banton tell di gyal dem bout browning." He's referring to Buju's song "Browning."
5. Red Rat – That Girl (Oh no remix?) (Originally Red Rat – Shelly-Ann)

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Example #5: Bam Bam - Shaggy & Toots



geejamrecordings, Uploaded on Dec 1, 2010

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the producers/composers of these songs, as well as the vocalists, and musicians, and dancers featured in these sound files and video. Thanks also to the uploaders of the sound files and video.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

Read More

Dancehall Reggae Murder She Wrote (Song & Riddim Mix)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a sound file of the 1992 Dancehall Reggae song "Murder She Wrote" which was recorded in 1992 by the Jamaican vocalists Chaka Demus & Pliers. This post also showcases a sound file of a selection of songs with that riddim (rhythm).

The content of this post is presented for historical, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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FEATURED SOUND FILES

Example #1: Chaka Demus & Pliers - Murder She Wrote (w/ Lyrics,click more info)



ONEONECOCOA, Uploaded on Nov 5, 2008

NO MUSIC,NO LIFE
KNOW MUSIC,KNOW LIFE!
-snip-
The complete lyrics are included with this sound file at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLuL5slr304

Here's an excerpt of the lyrics for "Murder She Wrote":
I know this little girl, her name is Maxine
Her beauty is like a bunch of rose
If I ever tell you bout Maxine
You ought to say I don't know what I know (but)….
Murder she wrote
Murder she wrote
Murder she wrote (Na nana)
Murder she wrote…
Yuh pretty face an bad character
Dem the kinda livin cant Hold Chaka (Follow me!)
Yuh pretty face an bad character
Dem the kinda livin cant Hold Chaka

Seh girl yuh pretty,
yuh face is pretty
But yuh character dirty
Gal yuh just a have to flirty, flirty
Yuh run to Tom Dick an' also Harry
An when yuh find yuh mistake
Yuh talk 'bout yuh sorry, sorry, sorry...
-snip-
Here's a link to a video of Chaka Demus & Pliers singing "Murder She Wrote" in a community setting & with some dramatized scenes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-av7F1JBmj4

I found that video to be a little bit too much for my sensibilities, though it's not really explicit.

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Example #2: Murder She Wrote Riddim Mix



runitselectah, Uploaded on Dec 29, 2008
► Skullman - Je T'aime
► Nardo Ranks - Them A Bleach
► Mackie Ranks - We A Soldier
► Daddy Woody - Bangara
► Anthony Red Rose - Run Them Out
► Brent Dowe - Rivers Of Babylon
► Fragga Ranks - Thanks & Praises
► Pliers - Bam Bam
► Chaka Demus & Pliers - Murder She Wrote
► Sly, Robbie & The Taxi Gang - Version

A classic Sly & Robbie production, released on the Taxi label in 1992.

Enjoy!

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Editorial Comment:
The lyrics to the Dancehall Reggae song "Murder She Wrote" have nothing to do with the American television detective series with the same name.

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BONUS VIDEO
Editor: I'm including this video that I happened upon because it presents information about Jamaican lifestyles that isn't easy for non-Jamaicans to learn about. And the beginning of this video includes the song "Murder She Wrote".

You Know You're Jamaican When... Celebrating JAMAICA's 50th



RONNiiGODlovesME, Published on Aug 6, 2012

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE JAMAICA
THank You LORD for giving me the everything for this video
#PROUDJAMAICAN
#BLACKGREEN&GOLD
Big Ups to my sister for helping me on this one...

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the composers of these songs, as well as the vocalists, and musicians featured in these songs. Thanks also to the uploaders of the sound files and videos.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

Read More

Cosmo Warriors - Thank You Jesus (For My Blessings)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post features a video & partial transcription of the song "Thank You Jesus (For My Blessings)* as sung by Cosmo Warriors with Ulondia Johnson on lead

*I added the words in parenthesis to distinguish this song from other songs with the title "Thank You Jesus".

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
FEATURED VIDEO

Thank You Jesus 12-28-08



Cosmo Warriors w Ulondia Johnson on lead singing THANK YOU JESUS during the last broadcast of 2008 (December 28, 2008)

****
PARTIAL LYRICS:
Soloist: [Woo-oo-oh, Oh-oh Woo-ooh] Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus for blessing me
Soloist: for blessing me
Soloist: I wanna say thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: I gotta to say thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: (Oh-o) Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus for blessing me
Soloist: I wanna say thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: I gotta to say thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: [Well ell] You opened doors
Choir: You opened doors
Soloist: That were shut
Choir: That were shut in my face
Soloist: [Oh-ooh] Yes, thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: I gotta say thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: You looked beyond my faults
Choir: You looked beyond my faults
Soloist: And you took away my sins [?]
Soloist: Oh yeah!
Choir: And you took away my sins [?]
Soloist: [Whoo-ooh] Yes, thank you
Choir: Thank you Jesus for blessing me
Soloist: I gotta say thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: Thank you, yeah
Choir: Thank you Jesus for blessing me.
Soloist: Thank you church
Choir Thank you Jesus for blessing me.
Soloist: I wanna say thank you.
Choir: Thank you
Soloist : I gotta say thank you.
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: [Oh-o-o] You opened doors
Choir: You opened doors
Soloist: That were shut
Choir: That were shut in my face
Soloist: I gotta say thank you.
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: [Well] you looked beyond my faults
Choir: You looked beyond my faults
Soloist: And you took away my sins [?]
Choir: And you took away my sins [?]
Soloist: Oh yeah!
Soloist: [Listen, I have a verse for ya. Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah]
You blessed me
time after time
Lord you gave me
my peace of mind.
You blessed me
when times got rough
And if it had not been for You
I don’t know what I would do, [yeah]
You blessed me when I was ???
That’s why I’m leaning and depending on you
like I’ve [never done before] ?
Soloist: Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: [stay right there] Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: For waking me up this mornin
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: Startin me on my way
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: [Oh I want to]? Thank you
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: for puttin food on my table
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: Lord, I know that you’re able
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist : Lord I gotta say thank you
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist : Lord I gotta say thank you
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: For makin a way out of no way, [yes]
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: Thank you!
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: Thank you!
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: I just gotta say thank you!
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: [Hey yeah yeah yeah] Thank you
Choir: Thank you, Jesus
Soloist: You brought me
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: From a mighty mighty long way.
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: You turned my darkness
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: back into day
Choir: Thank you Jesus.
Soloist: I wanna say thank you.
Choir: For blessing me
Soloist: You gotta say thank you
Choir: For blessing me.
Soloist: Thank you Jesus
Choir: For blessing me

[continues in this pattern and with choir repeating the words "Thank you Jesus"]
-snip-
This transcription was made by Azizi Powell from the video.

The soloist’s and choir’s words often overlap each other.

The interjections and other words that I put in brackets are probably optional. A question mark in brackets means that I'm not sure about my transcription.

Corrections & additions, and information about the composer of this song and the Cosmos Warriors are very welcome.
****
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the composer/s of this Gospel song. My thanks to the the lead singer Ulondia Johnson, the choir, and the musicians. Thanks also to the uploader of this video.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

Read More

More Gospel Songs Of Thanks: Richard Smallwood & Vision

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post features Part I & Part II of the Gospel song "Thank You" performed by Richard Smallwood & Vision.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
FEATURED VIDEOS
Thank You Pt1.- Ricahrd Smallwood and Vision



scooks71, Uploaded on Oct 16, 2009

Thank You from the album "Adoration Live" Richard Smallwood and Vision. Lead vocals Charrisse Nelson-McIntosh
****

Thank You pt. 2- Richard Smallwood and Vision


scooks71, Uploaded on Oct 16, 2009
Thank You from the album "Adoration Live" Richard Smallwood and Vision. Lead vocals Charrisse Nelson-McIntosh

****
Thank You Jesus 12-28-08



reesamae, Uploaded on Jan 6, 2009

****
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to Richard Smallwood for composing this Gospel song. My thanks to the vocalists, and musicians that are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the uploaders of these videos.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

Read More

More Gospel Songs Of Thanks: Kim McFarland & Mississippi Mass Choir

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post features a sound file of a Gospel song of thanks sung by Kim McFarland & choir and a video of a Gospel song of thanks sung by Mississippi Mass Choir. Lyrics to these two featured songs are included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
FEATURED SONGS

Example #1: TCS - Thank You, featuring Kim McFarland



Minjalewissr, Uploaded on Jul 17, 2008

Rev. Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Singers with soloist Kim McFarland singing Thank You from way back in the day. This is very rare and not too many people have heard it.
-snip-
LYRICS:

Soloist: I have a friend
Who’ll go with me till the end
He’ll stick right by my side
through the storms of life, yes He will
He won’t let you down
You never have to worry
Just keep trusting and believing
Things will work out alright.
[So] Jesus is my friend
In whom I appreciate
All that He’s done for me
And through His blood He saved me.
I can’t thank Him enough for His mercy and His grace
towards me.
I just wanna say
“Oh Lord, thank you.”
[Oh-o-o] Thank you
Choir-Thank you
Soloist- For your goodness
Choir-For your goodness
Soloist: [Oh-o-o] Thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: For your kindness
Choir: For your kindness
Soloist: Thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: For your many blessing
Choir: For your many blessings
Soloist: For the many times I needed you
Thank you
I just really wanna thank you
Choir: I really want to thank you
Soloist: I really want to thank you. Oh-o-o-o I {elongated}
Chorus: I {elongated}
Soloist: I just want
to thank you
Choir: I want to thank you
Soloist: I {repeated multiple times} really want
to {elongated} thank you, Lord
I
Choir: I
Soloist: Thank you
Choir: Thank you
Soloist: For your mercy
Choir: For your mercy
Choir: I just wanna (do)?
Soloist: I {elongated} wanna thank you Jesus, Yes I do
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: You’ve been a strong tower
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: [Oh-o-o] In my weakest hour.
Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: [You, you] You’ve been ah friend, Lord
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: When I didn’t have no friend
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: [Oh-o] And I wanna thank you, Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: [Oh-o] You’ve been so good to me
Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: [Yeah Oh-o] I wanna thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: You’ve been better to me
than I’ve been to myself
Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus
Soloist: You’ve been so good to me.
Thank you Jesus. Thank you Jesus
Choir: Thank you Jesus

(Soloist and choir continues in this pattern, and song ends with soloist and choir singing)
I just want to thank you.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the sound file. Any additions & corrections to this transcription, as well as any information about the composer are very welcome.

****
Example #2: Lord I Thank You - Mississippi Mass Choir



Kadeem Graves, Uploaded on Jan 11, 2010

This is from there 2002 album, "Amazing Love". Soloist: Emma Curry
-snip-
TRANSCRIPTION OF INTRODUCTION AND SONG
Here's my transcription of the introduction to this song. This transcription is given without most of the audience responses.

[The woman speaker walks on stage. A woman in the audience says “Alright now!”]
Speaker: Holy is His name.
There’s no other name by which man can be saved except by the name of Jesus.
One song writer wrote “Everyday is a day of Thanksgiving.”
When you woke up this morning, and He started you on your way, did you say “Thank you?”
He put food on your table. Oh, I know that the Man is able. Did you say “Thank you?”
Take time to say “Thank you.”
He soothes your doubts and calms your fears. Tell Him “Thank you”.
He’s bread in a starving land. Water in dry places, joy in sorrow, my hope for tomorrow.
If I had ten thousand tongues it still wouldn’t be enough to say “Thank you”.
[A woman in the audience says “Alright!”]
Take time to say “Thank ya, thank ya Jesus!”
**
LYRICS:
Mississippi Mass Choir Lord I Thank You
Verse 1:
You've been mighty good to me,
You opened doors that I could not see;
(Lord, I thank You).

Verse 2:
You woke me early this morning,
You let me see a brand new dawning;
(Lord, I thank You).

Verse 3:
You made a way out of no way,
You turned my darkness into day;
(Lord, I thank You).

Verse 4:
You put food on my table,
Lord, I serve You for You're able;
(Lord, I thank You).

Chorus 1:
(Thank You) thank You,
(when everything I try fails).
Lord, I want to thank You,
(Lord, You stepped right in and You were there).

Verse 5:
When the enemy comes in like a flood,
You send Your angels from above;
(Lord, I thank You).

Chorus 2:
(Thank You) thank You,
(for comforting in time of sorrow).
Lord, I want to thank You,
(You're my hope for tomorrow).

Verse 6:
You were there when I needed You most,
You even filled me with the Holy Ghost;
(Lord, I thank You).

Bridge:
I thank You, Jesus,
I thank You, Lord.

I thank You, Jesus,
I thank You, Lord.

I thank You, Jesus,
I thank You, Lord.

I thank You, Jesus,
Lord, I thank You.
Lord, I thank You.

Vamp 1:
I thank You, Jesus.
I thank You, Lord.
I thank You, Jesus,
Lord, I, I just want to.

Vamp 2:
Lord, I thank You, Jesus,
Lord, I thank You, Lord.

Vamp 1

Vamp 2

Ending:
Lord, I thank You.
Lord, I thank You,
thank You, thank You.

Online Source: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/mississippi-mass-choir-lyrics/lord-i-thank-you-lyrics.html
-snip-
Any additions & corrections to this transcription, as well as any information about the composer are very welcome.

****
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the composer/s of these Gospel songs. My thanks to the arrangers, vocalists, and musicians that are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the uploaders of this sound file and this video.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

Read More

Walter Hawkins Singers, Kim Burrell - "Thank You Lord For All You've Done For Me"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post is Part IV of a four part series which features a sampling of African American religious songs of thanks.

Part IV of this series features the song "Thank You Lord (for all you've done for me).

Part I of this series features the song "Thank You Jesus (for my journey)". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/thank-you-jesus-for-my-journey-videos.html for that post.

Part II of this series features a 1949 sound file & transcription of the Blues sounding Gospel song "I Thank You Jesus (Sure 'Nough I Do) by Marie Knight. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/marie-knight-i-thank-you-jesus-sure.html for that post.

Part III of this series features an arrangement of the Gospel song "I Just Want To Thank You Lord". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-just-want-to-thank-you-lord-video.html for that post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
FEATURED VIDEOS & SONG LYRICS
Example #1: Walter Hawkins - Thank You Lord (for all you've done)



convertedheart, Uploaded on Jun 25, 2009
Artist(s): Walter Hawkins
Song: Thank You
Album: Love Alive IV (LIVE)
Year of Album Release: 1990
Record Label: Malaco

This is an oldie goldie...a classic from way back! I can still listen to this song for hours on end.

We should always be thankful, NOT thankful for everything, but THANKFUL IN everything!

Remember, "....In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1st Thessalonians 5:18
-snip-
LYRICS:Thank You (Lord For All You've Done For Me) Lyrics
Verse 1:
Tragedies are common place.
All kind of diseases, People Are Slipping Away.
Economies down, people can't get enough pay,
As for me, all I can say is,
"Thank you, Lord for all you've done for me".

Verse 2:
Folks without homes living out in the streets
And the drug habit some say, They just can't beat.
Muggers and robbers, no place seems too safe,
But you've been my protection every step of the way
And I want to say, "Thank you, Lord
For all you've done for me".

Chorus:
(It could have been me) Thank you,
(Outdoors) Thank you,
(With no food) Thank you,
(And no clothes) Thank you,
(Or left alone) Thank you,
(Without a friend) Thank you,
(Or just another number) Thank you,
(with a tragic end) Thank you, Lord.
(But you didn't see fit) Thank you,
(To let none of these things be) Thank you,
('Cause everyday by your power) Thank you,
(You keep on keeping me) Thank you;
(And I want to say) Thank you Lord for all you've done for me.

Repeat chorus.

Vamp 1:
I wana thank you for your love (Thank you).
Thank you for your power (Thank you)
Thank you for protection (Thank you)
Every Hour (Thank you).
Vamp 2:
(I wanna thank you for your love) Thank you,
(I Wanna thank you for power) Thank you,
(Thank you for protection) Thank you,
(Every hour) Thank you.

Lead Ad libs to the end of the song while the choir says "Thank you"

Online source: http://www.6lyrics.com/thank_you_lord_for_all_you_ve_done_for_me-lyrics-walter_hawkins.aspx
(With minor revisions & formatting)

****
Example #2: Thank you Lord For All You've Done For Me



u1ray, Uploaded on Dec 20, 2009

Walter Hawkins And the Love Centre Choir - Love Alive 25th Anniversary Reunion

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Kim Burrell "Thank You Lord"



NJAggieBoi02, Uploaded on Jun 20, 2006

Kim Burrell sings "Thank You Lord" in honor of the Hurriacane [sic] Katrina Victims

****
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to Walter Hawkins for composing this song & other Gospel songs. My thanks to the arrangers, vocalists, and musicians that are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the uploaders of this sound file and these videos.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

Read More

Thank You Jesus (For My Journey) - Videos & Lyrics

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post is Part I of a four part series which features a sampling of African American religious songs of thanks.

This post features renditions of the Spiritual "Thank You Jesus (for my journey)".

Part II of this series features a 1949 sound file & transcription of the Blues sounding Gospel song "I Thank You Jesus (Sure 'Nough I Do) by Marie Knight. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/marie-knight-i-thank-you-jesus-sure.html for that post.

Part III of this series features an arrangement of the Gospel song "Thank You Lord" ("I Just Want To Thank You Lord"). Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-just-want-to-thank-you-lord-video.html for that post.

Part IV of this series features the song "Thank You Lord (for all you've done for me). Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/walter-hawkins-singers-kim-burrell.html for that post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
FEATURED VIDEOS & LYRICS
Example #1:
James Cleveland and the Southern Ca Community Choir - Thank You Jesus For My Journey (Album 1975)



williamkinggospel, Uploaded on Dec 6, 2011

James Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir
Thank You Jesus For My Journey
©1975 Savoy Records
-snip-
LYRICS (Partial transcription; to be completed)

Choir - Thank You Jesus for my journey.
Lead: Thank You Jesus for my journey
Choir- You brought me
Lead - You bought me
Thank You, Jesus for my journey.
You brought me
Oh You brought me
from ah mighty, ah mighty long way.

Lead: I believe we ought to say it one more time.
Thank You Jesus for my journey.
Choir: Thank You Jesus for my journey
Lead - You brought me
Choir - You bought me
Thank You, Jesus for my journey.
You brought me
Oh You brought me
from ah mighty, ah mighty long way.

Choir:
You brought me
You brought me
Lead So many, so many times when I couldn't see my way.
Oh oh I thank you tonight.
You told me when I needed you, you would

through the rain and the storm Lord knows you brought me.
I want to take this time to say
Thank you Jesus for my journey
from my sick bed
when I was down to my last dime.
[Lead continues ad libbing]
Choir & Lead: You bought me from a mighty long way.
****
Example #2: Howard University Choir - "Thank You, Jesus"



mrstudent191, Uploaded on May 19, 2009

The Howard University Choir, conducted by J. Weldon Norris, D.M., performs Dr. Norris's arrangement of the spiritual "Thank You, Jesus." The solo is performed by junior Music Education major, Leon Clark, tenor. This performance was at Howard University's 141st Commencement, held May 9, 2009; the speaker was Gwen Ifill.
-snip-
LYRICS: Thank You Jesus (For My Journey)

Chorus:
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
You brought me from a long long way
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
[Oh] You brought me from a long long way.

Verse #1
(The soloist sings first line of the verse. The choir sings the second line. The soloist & choir sings third line. The verse is then repeated with that pattern)

Well, You brought me through great trials and tribulations.
Oh Lord
You brought me from a long long way.
Well, You brought me through great trials and tribulations.
Oh Lord
You brought me from a long long way.

Chorus

Verse #2
(Choir hums and select members of the choir echoes certain words while soloist sings)

Oh when I went down on the alter
and I fell down on my knees
and asked the Lord to help me
“Lord help me if you please!”.
He threw His arms around me.
My soul became steadfree.
And now I live with Jesus Christ
And my God I shall see.

Chorus
[Oh] Thank you Jesus etc.

Verse #3
(The soloist begins and the choir joins in singing this verse, with some humming and some echoing words.)

Oh well you brought me through great storms
and deep deep darkness
Oh You brought me from a long long way
well you brought me through great storms
and deep deep darkness
You brought me from a long long way
[repeat entire verse]

Chorus

Verse #4
(Choir hums and select members of the choir echoes certain words while soloist sings)

When I think of my old mother
The hurt she’s been through
The doctor came and told me
He done all he could do.
But I prayed to Doctor Jesus
And my prayers were not in vain.
He put His hands on mother’s brow.
And there was no more pain.

Chorus
[with choir elaborating]

[Oh] Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
You brought me from a long long way
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
Thank you Jesus
Oh yes You brought me
Yes you brought me
From a long long way.
-snip-
Transcription:
My transcription of this video includes performance instructions in parenthesis. The beginning words that are optional are given in brackets.

****
Example #3: I Thank You Jesus



MetroSingers, Uploaded on Dec 18, 2007

MetroSingers, Hyattsville, MD
http://www.metrosingers.com
-snip-
Here's a comment from Marques Garrett, a viewer of this video in 2009:
"This is Robert Morris's arrangement."
-snip-
LYRICS (Partial Transcription)
-snip-
Chorus:
I Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus.
I thank you Lord.
[Well] You’ve brought me from a mighty,
a mighty long way.
I Thank You, Jesus. Thank You, Jesus.
I thank you Lord.
[Oh] You’ve brought me from a mighty,
a mighty long way,
a mighty long way.

Verse 1:
You’ve been my mother You’ve been my mother,
You’ve been my father You’ve been my father,
You’ve been my sister, my brother too;
[Oh], You’ve brought me from a mighty,
a mighty long way,
a mighty long way.

...You’ve been my keeper day by day...

Thank you Jesus
'Cause you brought me from a mighty
a mighty long way
You’ve brought me from a mighty long way.
Oh you brought me from a mighty long way
Thank you Jesus.
I thank you Lord.
-snip-
Any additions & Corrections of this transcription will be appreciated.

*****
Example #4: Pastor Smith Sings- Lord I Thank YOU



PastorDeweySmithJr, Uploaded on Mar 9, 2010

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!!!
~
Pastor Smith SINGING - LORD I THANK YOU
The Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church
4650 Flat Shoals Parkway
Decatur, GA 30034
[more contact information is given in the uploader’s statement
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZR1K-rzuvM&feature=related
-snip-
LYRICS: Lord I Thank You (also known as "Thank You Jesus" (for my journey)

Chorus: Lord I thank you
Lord I thank you
For my journey.
[Oh] You brought me
You brought me
From ah mighty long way
Ah mighty long way
Lord I thank you
Lord I thank you
For my journey.
[Well] You brought me
;Lord]You brought me
From a mighty long way
a mighty long way

[repeat chorus]

[Lord], You brought me over hills and mountains.
Lord, You brought me from ah mighty long way.
ah mighty long way.
[Lord], You brought me over hills and mountains.
[Lord], You brought me from ah mighty long way.
ah mighty long way.

chorus

[Yeah]I had to cry sometime
But You brought me
[Lord] You brought me from a mighty long way
I had to cry some time but You brought me
You brought me
From ah mighty long way
ah mighty long way.
I had to cry some time but You brought me
You brought me
From ah mighty long way
ah mighty long way

chorus

[ad lib comments & repeat previously given verses.]
-snip-
This transcription is by Azizi Powell from the video. The interjections in brackets are optional.

****
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the composer/s of this Spiritual/Gospel song. My thanks to the arrangers, vocalists, and musicians that are featured in these videos. Thanks also to the uploaders of this sound file and these videos.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

Read More

Thank You Lord (I Just Want To Thank You Lord) Examples & Lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post is Part III of a four part series of religious songs of thanks. [Revised 5/19/2013].

This post features five arrangements of the Gospel song "Thank You Lord (also known as "I Just Want To Thank You Lord").

Part I of this series features the song "Thank You Jesus (for my journey)". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/thank-you-jesus-for-my-journey-videos.html for that post.

Part II of this series features a 1949 sound file & transcription of the Blues sounding Gospel song "I Thank You Jesus (Sure 'Nough I Do) by Marie Knight. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/marie-knight-i-thank-you-jesus-sure.html for that post.

Part IV of this series features the song "Thank You Lord (for all you've done for me). Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/walter-hawkins-singers-kim-burrell.html for that post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
STANDARD LYRICS: THANK YOU LORD (I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU LORD)

Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lo-or-ord
(And) I just want to thank You, Lord.

You been so good
You been so good
You been so go-o -od.
(And) I just want to thank You, Lord.

You saved my soul
Saved my soul.
Saved my so-ou-ol
(And) I just want to thank You, Lord.

Thank you Lord
Thank you Lord
Thank you Lo-or-ord
(And) I just want to thank You, Lord.
-snip-
This is my transcription from the video given as Example #2 of this post. This transcription focuses on the standard words to this song. As such it is given without the lead singer’s elaborations. However, I included the words that sung by the lead singer as an addition to the standard words of this song. That performance information is introduced in italics. Words that I'm not certain about are given in brackets.

Renditions of this song are often performed without the Lead singer's verse that is given above.

There are several song with this same title. I don't know who composed this particular "Thank You Lord" (I Just Want To Thank You Lord" song or when it was composed. If you have information about this song, please share it in this post's comment section. Thanks in advance!

****
FEATURED EXAMPLES
(These examples are placed in chronological order based on the date of their posting on YouTube.)

Example #1: John Redmon - Thank You Lord (Story of the Shunamite Woman)



reachingrecords, Uploaded on Aug 8, 2009

from John Redmon's Maxi CD Single release "Thank You Lord (The Story of The Shunamite Woman". Album and tracks available for download at www.ReachingRecords.com.

****
Example #2: I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU LORD



TheBishopjeremiah,Uploaded on Oct 12, 2009
BISHOP BOSEMAN BRO. COOKIE ROBISON AND SISTER CYNTHA BROWN
-snip-
Here's my transcription of the verse that the Lead singer sings while the rest of the choir hums:

Lead singer: Lemme tell you how good God is y’all.
I remember
when I didn’t have
I didn’t have no money in my pocket, no.
That’s when I went down, down on my bended knees.
And I called on Jesus.
I said “Lord, You know, You know just what I need”.
From that day on I didn’t have to beg or plead.
Jesus came in and [He picked me up]

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Example #3: Paul Williams - I Just Want To Thank You



humbleisdaway, Uploaded on Dec 23, 2011

paul leading songs at the dellcrest church of christ in san antonio texas.
-snip-
Other verses for this song in the same pattern given in Example #1:
You gave us one more day...

You worked it out...

Praise your name...

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Example #4: Thank You Lord (by John Redmon)



01Iamme01, Published on Jun 13, 2012

This is me singing Thank You Lord by John Redmon! I love this song soo much! It compels me to worship God & thank Him for everything. Even though I'm not where I want to be in life, I'm just thankful to be alive, & I'm mega thankful for God bringing me through every trial that I've been through in my life! ..lemme stop before I start preachin.. Comment & Rate, ..please!! God bless you & I hope this ministers to you like it ministered to me. By the way, I got the music/keyboarding in the background by someone here on youtube called "Bossbabers" && the I Just Want to Thank You Lord [Live]
-snip-
Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65aByghGQoc for a video of "Bossbabers" && the I Just Want to Thank You Lord [Live]

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Example #5: Le'Andria Johnson - "I Just Want To Thank You Lord"/V.Michael McKay Release 06.08.12



TeamLeAndria,Published on Jul 9, 2012

Le'Andria's CDs "The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson" & "The Evolution of Le'Andria Johnson" ...both available online & in stores EVERYWHERE!!!! GET YOURS NOW!!!!

Contact information for this vocalist is found in her summary statement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9Zv2Wh2AuY

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the composer/s of this Gospel song. Thanks also to the vocalists who are featured in these examples and thanks to the publishers on YouTube of these examples.

Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Read More

Marie Knight - I Thank You Jesus (Sure 'Nough I Do)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post is Part II of a four part series which features a sampling of some African American religious songs of thanks.

This post features a 1949 sound file & transcription of the Blues sounding Gospel song "I Thank You Jesus (Sure 'Nough I Do) by Marie Knight.

Part I of this series features the song "Thank You Jesus (for my journey)". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/thank-you-jesus-for-my-journey-videos.html for that post.

Part III of this series features an arrangement of the Gospel song "I Just Want To Thank You Lord". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-just-want-to-thank-you-lord-video.html for that post.

Part IV of this series features the song "Thank You Lord (for all you've done for me). Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/11/walter-hawkins-singers-kim-burrell.html for that post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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FEATURED SOUND FILE
Marie Knight - I Thank You Jesus



ToonsParis, uploaded on Aug 27, 2009

My favorite Marie Knight's gospel song! 1949

I THANK YOU JESUS (SURE ‘NOUGH I DO)
(Sung by Marie Knight, 1949)

I have so much that I can thank
my, my Jesus for.
Since I have been a Christian in my God’s war.
I count my blessings one by one.
And I see what my God has done.
Then* I can say “Oh yes, I thank you Jesus,
Sure ‘nough I do.

I thank you Lord, thank you Lord.
Thank you, Jesus. Yes I thank you Lord.
I thank you Jesus for just for bein so good to me.
Yes, I coulda been dead, buried ‘neath my grave
But you made, made my enemies behave.
Then* I can say “Oh yes, I thank you Jesus,
Sure ‘nough I do.
‘Cause you brought me
from a long, ah mighty long way, Lord.
Yes, you saved, you saved my soul when I was lost.
Yes, you’ve been my mother.
Yes, you’ve been my father.
You’ve been my sister.
God knows you’ve been my brother.
Oh, then* I can say “Oh yes, I thank you Jesus,
Sure ‘nough I do.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from the sound file.

*This word may be “and”.

Please share any information you may have about this song.

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INFORMATION ABOUT MARIE KNIGHT
From http://www.marieknight.com/

Gospel & Blues Legend Marie Knight 1925-2009
...Marie [Knight] first came to prominence in 1946 when she met and started working with Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Together they would be one of the most popular gospel artists of the 1940's and make music history through a string of gospel hits including "Didn't It Rain," "Up Above My Head," and the gorgeous "Beams of Heaven." Marie Knight and Sister Rosetta Tharpe would tour frequently together through the 1950's. In the 1960's Marie had several R&B hits, but in 1970's Marie rededicated herself to Gospel music and became a minister at the Gates of Prayer Church in New York City...

-snip-
Also, click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie_Knight for more information about Marie Knight.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the composer/s of this Gospel song. My thanks also to Marie Knight for her legacy of music. Thanks also to the uploader of this sound file.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer comments are welcome.

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Three Gospel Versions of "Jesus Lover Of My Soul"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases Gospel interpretations of the song "Jesus Lover Of My Soul" by the Reverend James Cleveland & The Voices of Cornerstone Church Choir, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, & the Les Humphries Singers. This post also includes the lyrics of that song as composed by Charles Wesley, lyrics as sung by the Les Humphries Singers. In addition, this post included general information about the hymn "Jesus, Lover Of My Soul", as well as brief information about the featured vocalists of these three Gospel interpretations of that hymn.

The content of this post is presented for religious, historical, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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INFORMATION ABOUT "JESUS LOVER OF MY SOUL"
From http://biblestudycharts.com/HH_Jesus_Lover_of_My_Soul.html

Note: This website includes an instrumental sound file of this hymn as it is often performed & sung.

Of the 6500 hymns written by Charles Wesley, this is generally considered to be his finest. It is still found in nearly every published hymnal and has been translated into almost every known language. It is interesting to note, however, that when Charles first presented this text to his brother, John for approval, it was rejected as being too sentimental. It was not until after the author’s death that the song came into general use. It was first published in 1740 in a collection of 139 hymns know as Hymns and Sacred Poems.

-snip-
Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Wesley for information about Charles Wesley.
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LYRICS: JESUS LOVER OF MY SOUL
(Charles Wesley)

Jesus, lover of my soul, let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll, while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my Savior, hide, till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide; O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none, hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
Leave, ah! leave me not alone, still support and comfort me.
All my trust on Thee is stayed, all my help from Thee I bring;
Cover my defenseless head with the shadow of Thy wing.

Wilt Thou not regard my call? Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—Lo! on Thee I cast my care;
Reach me out Thy gracious hand! While I of Thy strength receive,
Hoping against hope I stand, dying, and behold, I live.

Thou, O Christ, art all I want, more than all in Thee I find;
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is Thy Name, I am all unrighteousness;
False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and grace.

Plenteous grace with Thee is found, grace to cover all my sin;
Let the healing streams abound; make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art, freely let me take of Thee;
Spring Thou up within my heart; rise to all eternity. Amen
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ONE INTERPRETATION OF THE HYMN "JESUS LOVER OF MY SOUL" BY CHARLES WESLEY
There are a number of tunes used for the hymn "Jesus Lover Of My Soul". Here's a sound file of one way of singing this hymn:

Jesus, Lover of my Soul



sesamonte, Uploaded on Nov 2, 2008

A Christian hymn written by Charles Wesley in 1740. The tune used in this rendition is by Joseph Holbrook (1862). Sung by Altar of Praise Chorale.
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FEATURED GOSPEL EXAMPLES
These examples are presented in chronological order.

Example #1: Jesus, Lover Of My Soul - Edwin Hawkins Singers



vijaypush, Uploaded on Jan 20, 2011

Groupe célèbre pour leur extraordinaire interprétation de "Oh! Happy Day"
-snip-
Here is information about the Edwin Hawkins Singers from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edwin_Hawkins

Edwin Hawkins (born 18 August 1943, Oakland, California) is a Grammy Award-winning American gospel and R&B musician, pianist, choir master, composer, and arranger. He is one of the originators of the urban contemporary gospel sound. He (and the Edwin Hawkins Singers) are best known for his arrangement of "Oh Happy Day" (1968–69), which was included on the Songs of the Century list...

Altogether Hawkins has won four Grammy Awards...

In 2007, Hawkins was inducted into the Christian Music Hall of Fame and attended the formal awards show in 2009.

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Example #2: Les Humphries Singers - Jesus Lover of my Soul 1970



fritz51326, Uploaded on Jan 24, 2009

Les Humphries Singers - Jesus Lover of my Soul 1970

Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.

Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.

Hide me in your heart in your heart
Till the storm of happiness;
Safe me to my heaven's God
and receive my soul at last
and receive my soul at last.

Hide me in your heart in your heart
Till the storm of happiness;
Safe me to my heaven's God
and receive my soul at last
and receive my soul at last.

Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.

Jesus, lover of my soul,
Let me to Thy bosom fly,
While the nearer waters roll,
While the tempest still is high.

Hide me in your heart in your heart
Till the storm of happiness;
Safe me to my heaven's god
and receive my soul at last
and receive my soul at last.

Hide me in your heart in your heart
Till the storm of happiness;
Safe me to my heaven's god
and receive my soul at last
and receive my soul at last.

Jesus, lover of my soul,
Jesus, lover of my soul,
Jesus, lover of my soul,
Jesus, lover of my soul....
-snip-
Here is information about the Les Humphries Singers from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Humphries_Singers

The Les Humphries Singers was a 1970s musical group formed in Hamburg, Germany in 1969 by the English born Les Humphries (born John Lesley Humphreys, 10 August 1940, in Croydon, Surrey, England - died 26 December 2007, in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England), who had been inspired to do his own version of the Edwin Hawkins Singers... The Les Humphries Singers performed a mix of popular music and gospel covers and had some success in Europe with this approach...

The Les Humphries Singers at the time brought something from the flair of the hippie movement into contemporary German-produced (but English-sung) pop music, especially due to their mixed ethnic background and peculiar fashion sense...

Years active: 1969 – 1980

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Example #3: "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" (1980)- Rev. James Cleveland and the Voices of Cornerstone.



JayEm86, Uploaded on Apr 21, 2009
-snip-
Here is information about Rev. James Cleveland from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Cleveland

The Reverend Dr. James Cleveland (December 5, 1931 -February 9, 1991) was a gospel singer, arranger, composer and, most significantly, the driving force behind the creation of the modern gospel sound, bringing the stylistic daring of hard gospel and jazz and pop music influences to arrangements for mass choirs. He is known as the King of Gospel music.

Born in Chicago, he began singing as a boy soprano at Pilgrim Baptist Church, where Thomas A. Dorsey was minister of music and Roberta Martin was pianist for the choir. He strained his vocal cords as a teenager while part of a local gospel group, leaving the distinctive gravelly voice that was his hallmark in his later years. The change in his voice led him to focus on his skills as a pianist and later as a composer and arranger. For his pioneering accomplishments and contributions, he is regarded by many to be one of the greatest gospel singers to ever live.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the featured vocalists and musicians. Thanks also to those who posted online information about these vocalists and thanks to those who uploaded the videos and the lyrics to this song.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Read More

Seven Examples Of The Blues Classic "Dust My Broom"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases four sound files and two video examples of the Blues classic "Dust My Broom". Information about this song and Bluesman Robert Johnson's lyrics to this song are also provided in this post.

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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INFORMATION ABOUT "DUST MY BROOM"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dust_My_Broom
"Dust My Broom" is a blues standard originally recorded as "I Believe I'll Dust My Broom" by Robert Johnson, the Mississippi Delta blues singer and guitarist, on November 23, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas. The song was originally released on 78 rpm format as Vocalion 03475, ARC 7-04-81 and Conqueror 8871. There is an ongoing dispute as to whether the song was written by Johnson or by his contemporary, Elmore James.

This was the second song that Johnson recorded, immediately after "Kind Hearted Woman Blues". He adopted this song from traditional sources. Unlike the many versions by other musicians, Johnson's original accompaniment was finger picked, and not played as a bottleneck or slide guitar...

Attempts have been made to read a hoodoo significance into the phrase 'dust my broom'. However the blues artist Big Joe Williams, who knew Robert Johnson, and who also believed in traditional magic, explained it as "leaving for good ... I'm putting you down. I won't be back no more."
**
Also, click http://haveringhavers.blogspot.com/2007/10/dust-my-broom-story-behind-song.html
Friday, October 12, 2007, Richard Havens, Dust My Broom - The Story Behind the Song
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LYRICS: DUST MY BROOM
(Composed by Robert Johnson)

I'm goin' get up in the morning, I believe I'll dust my broom
x 2
Girl friend, the black man you been lovin', girl friend, can get my room

I'm gonna write a letter, telephone every town I know x 2
If I can't find her in West Helena, she must be in East Munroe
I know

I don't want no woman, wants every down town man she meets x 2
She's a no good dony, they shouldn't 'low her on the streets

I believe, I believe I'll go back home x 2
You can mistreat me here, babe, but you can't when I go home

And I'm gettin' up in the morning, I believe I'll dust my broom x 2
Girl friend, the black man you been lovin', girl friend, can get my room

I'm gonna call up China, see is my good gal over there x 2

I can't find her in the Philippine Islands, she must be in Ethiopia somewhere
-snip-
Information about certain words in the lyrics:
"dust my broom" = leave, move on
"dony" = a lady/a woman (from the Spanish title "Dona")

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FEATURED EXAMPLES
Example #1: I Believe I'll Dust My Broom [Remastered] ROBERT JOHNSON (1936) Delta Blues Guitar Legend



RagtimeDorianHenry,Uploaded on Apr 4, 2009

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Example #2: Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup-Dust My Broom (1949)



tapappp789, Published on Mar 5, 2012

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Example #3: Dust My Broom - Elmore James



aardappelneez, Uploaded on Sep 6, 2008

Dust My Broom - Elmore James, the King of the Slide Guitar [1951]

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Example #4: Howlin' Wolf - Dust My Broom



TheQuicksilverdog, Uploaded on Jun 10, 2010 [1964]

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Example #5: Muddy Waters / Dust My Broom



TheFatGeezer, Uploaded on May 30, 2009

A live version of the stomping blues track

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Example #6: Etta James - Dust My Broom



nostsljicbiues·Published on Jan 29, 2013

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Example #7: Taj Mahal - Dust my broom



Joe Stead, Uploaded on Nov 24, 2008

In concert in Germany

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND THANKS
Thanks to the composer/s and performers of "Dust My Broom". Thanks also to those who researched the history of this classic Blues song. And thanks to the uploaders of these featured sound files and videos.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Read More

Boney M - Brown Girl In The Ring (Video, Lyrics, & Comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post features a video of Boney M singing the Caribbean children's song "Brown Girl In The Ring". This post also provides the text of that version, as well as comments about the "Brown Girl In The Ring" game song.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric and entertainment purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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INFORMATION ABOUT BONEY M
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boney_M.

Boney M. is a vocal group created by German record producer Frank Farian. Originally based in West Germany, the four original members of the group's official line-up were Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett from Jamaica, Maizie Williams from Montserrat and Bobby Farrell from Aruba. The group was formed in 1975 and achieved popularity during the disco era of the late 1970s. The group has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide with most sales in the UK and Germany.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE BONEY M VERSION OF "BROWN GIRL IN THE RING"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Girl_in_the_Ring_(song)

Arguably the most popular version of the song, Boney M.'s version was originally a single B-side to the group's #1 hit single "Rivers of Babylon" (1978). When "Rivers of Babylon" had slipped to #20 in the UK charts, radio stations suddenly flipped the single, seeing "Brown Girl in the Ring" going all the way to #2 and becoming a hit in its own right...

The River of Babylon/Brown Girl in The Ring single is the sixth best-selling single of all time in the UK with sales of 2 million.

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FEATURED VIDEO: BONEY M - Brown girl in the ring (1978) HD and HQ



nerisob,Uploaded on May 15, 2011

A hit by Boney M called "Brown Girl in the Ring" from 1978 in HD and HQ Sound.

With original audio and the video of this great pop group singing its unforgettable classic

Un éxito de Boney M titulado "Brown Girl in the Ring" (La morena en medio de la ronda) o (La negra en el corro), con el sonido original en HQ y las imágenes HD de esta gran agrupación cantando este inolvidable clásico.

En Argentina se conoció como "Chica morena en el ring", en Colombia como "La morena del anillo" y en otros países como "La morena al teléfono".
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LYRICS: BROWN GIRL IN THE RING
(Boney M version)

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
There's a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
Come on show me your motion
Tra la la la la la
Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got no way to wash my clothes
All had water run dry
Got no way to wash my clothes

I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes
I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes*

Beng-a-deng
Beng-a-deng

Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
There's a brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la la
Brown girl in the ring
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
Come on show me your motion
Tra la la la la la
Show me your motion
Tra la la la la
She looks like a sugar in a plum
Plum plum

All had water run dry
Got no way to wash my clothes
All had water run dry
Got no way to wash my clothes

I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes
I remember one Saturday night
We had fried fish and Johnny-cakes*

Beng-a-deng**
Beng-a-deng
Ah Sookie ***

[repeat the verses from the beginning of the song]

* "johnny-cake"
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnnycake
"Johnnycake (also jonnycake, johnny cake, journey cake, shawnee cake and johnny bread) is a cornmeal flatbread that was an early American staple food and is prepared on the Atlantic coast from Newfoundland to Jamaica

**I think that "Beng-a-deng" is a rhythmic phrase without any literal meaning.

***In this song the phrase "ah Sookie" may have no literal meaning. It's interesting to note that other online lyrics of the Boney M version of "Brown Girl In The Ring" don't even include that phrase.

But "ah sookie sookie" has been used in informal settings by African American males as a way of acknowledging the presence of an attractive female. As an example, the phrase "ah sookie sookie now" is found at the beginning of the 1971 R&B record "Groove Me" by King Floyd http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Lf_1y7rYE.

The word "Sukie" may have come a nickname for the female name "Susan". An alternative etymology is that the phrase "ah sookie" came from the Spanish word "azucar" which means "sugar". For that reason, "ah sookie sookie" might be said to mean "oh sugar, sugar!"

Update: A response to my question about this song on a viewer comment thread of another video indicates that the words to the song are "blue hill water run dry" instead of "all had waters run dry". That certainly makes more sense.

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COMMENTS ABOUT "BROWN GIRL IN THE RING" GAME SONG
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_Girl_in_the_Ring_(song)

Brown Girl in the Ring is a children's ring game thought to have originated in Jamaica...

Players form a ring by holding hands, then one girl or boy goes into the middle of the ring and starts skipping or walking around to the song. The girl or boy is then asked, "Show me your motion." At this point the child in the center does his or her favorite dance. If asked "Show me your partner," he or she picks a friend to join him or her in the circle. It has been played for many centuries in all of Jamaica.

-snip-
Editor's comments:
"Brown Girl In The Ring" is an example of a show me your motion circle game with one person in the center.

Click http://loveisntenough.com/2008/07/14/ask-arp-is-it-wrong-to-sing-this-childrens-rhyme/ to read a comment from a concerned White parent about whether the game song "Brown Girl In The Ring" is racist. Tami Winfrey Harris, the Black blogger whose site this question was posted to concluded that this song isn't racist. I agree with that conclusion.

That said, I do believe that the "Brown Girl In The Ring" game song had;has racial connotations. And I further believe that the "Brown Girl In The Ring" game song could be sung in a way that it could have racist connotations.

In this game song the word "brown" probably originally was a reference to the children's skin color. My guess is that this song was composed as a way of helping Black children develop and reinforce self-esteem. However, note that the color referent "brown" was used in this song and not the color referent "black". More comments about that are found below.

A contemporary way of playing "Brown Girl In The Ring" that I observed at a Caribbean day program in 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area is to sing this game to reinforce children's knowledge of their colors. When "Brown Girl In The Ring" is played that way, the color that is named refers to the color of the blouse or shirt that the person in the center of the circle is wearing. For instance, if the girl in the center of the circle is wearing a "blue" blouse or shirt, the words to the song are "There's a blue girl in the ring". But if the boy in the center of the circle is wearing a red shirt, the words to the song are "There's a red boy in the ring".

But singing "Brown Girl In The Ring" with a multiracial group of people and using different color references for articles of clothing could be problematic because people may think that you are using color references to identify members of different races or ethnicities (with "ethnicities" here meaning the United States definition of "Latino/Hispanic"). While I don't believe that "being color blind" is an acceptable way to view & interact with people, I also think that it would be highly unacceptable to point out racial & ethnic differences just for the sake of doing so or for the sake of patting yourself on the back about how racially accepting you are.

As a point of information, while it's usually acceptable in the United States nowadays for adults to use the references "Black people" and "Brown people", it's no longer socially correct [if it ever was] to use the color references "red people [for Native Americans] and "yellow people" for [East Asians].

Als, notice that the color referent "Brown" and not "Black" was used in the song "Brown Girl In The Ring" to denote Black people's skin color. Unfortunately, even in the year 2012 because of the history and current conditions of racism, many Black children in the United States, and possibly also in Jamaica where the song "Brown Girl In The Ring" likely originated, consider being called "Black" (or "Blackie") an insult and prefer to be called "Brown". That said, in the United States, in political discourse adults use the phrase "Black & Brown people". In that phrase "Black people" refers to people of African descent [who can have very light skin, brown skin, or very dark skin] and "Brown people" refers to Latinos/Hispanics, and other People of Color from the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and elsewhere.

All of this to say, that, given the possible racist or at least culturally insensitive connotations that could result from changing the word "brown" to some other color, I'd probably just sing the "brown girl or brown boy in a ring" words and not replace those words with some other color - regardless if the children in the ring weren't Black (or Brown) or not.

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RELATED LINK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arPsclBc1_w is a video example of "Brown Girl In The Ring" that people from the Bahamas living in the United States played. That game begins at 5:19 and continues to the end of that video. The words of that version include the "well water run dry/fried fish and johnny-cakes" version. But there's another portion of the words that are sung after that verse that I can't decipher.

Update: 12/7/2012
Here's a response to my query about that video from dakingofhearts91:
"The Game played before brown girl in the ring was red rover. The lyrics to the other song goes like this "blue hill water dry no where to wash my clothes, I remember that saturday night we had fried fish and johnny cake. Man take one to satisfy woman take two she make a moo(move)"
-snip-
Thanks dakingofhearts91!

**
Another example of "Brown Girl In The Ring" as it is played in Grenada, West Indies can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVTQdK71WAU&feature=relmfu . Unfortunately, this video is very difficult to see and hear.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS
Thanks to Boney M for popularizing the "Brown Girl In The Ring" song. Thanks also to all those who I quoted in this post and thanks to the uploaders of this featured video.

Finally, thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Viewer commments are welcome.

Read More