Sonny Okosun - African Soldiers (with partial lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a sound file of the song "African Soldiers" by Nigerian vocalist Sonny Okosun (This name is also given as Sunny Okosuns). A partial transcription of "African Soldiers" is also included in this post. Please add additions & corrections to these lyrics or please provide a link if this song's complete lyrics are already available online.

Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonny_Okosun for information about Sonny Okosun.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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SHOWCASE SOUND FILE
Sonny Okosuns - African Soldiers (Audio)



hogan523,Uploaded on Apr 9, 2011

Attention African Soldiers!
-snip-
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-0MJ0h02tA for a video of this song which unfortunately is of very poor visual quality.

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PARTIAL LYRICS - AFRICAN SOLDIER
(Sonny Okosun)

["__?" means I didn't understand what was sung; italics means I wasn't sure of my transcription; some explanatory notes about this transcription are given within the transcription]


instruments

Lead - woh yoh woh yah
Group- woh yoh who yah
Lead -woh yoh woh yah woh yah
Group-woh yoh who yah
Lead -I want to tell of the African soldiers
Group-woh yoh who yah
Lead - African soldiers who fought for freedom.
woh yoh who yah
I want to tell of the African soldiers now....[follow the above pattern]
African soldiers who fought for freedom....
Some are dead and some are living....
Those that are dead are still fighting oh....
Those that are living are still fighting....
Chaka Zulu, African soldier....
Haile Selassie, African soldier....
Nnamdi Azikiwe, African soldier....
Kwame Nkrumah, African soldier....
Jomo Kenyatta, African soldier....
Patrice Lumumba, African soldier....
]Person's name], African soldier...
African soldier ___?
woh yoh woh yah
Show your power, African people now
woh yoh woh yah
Save your people
woh yoh woh yah
[repeat save your people & refrain two more times]
awoh wah
From economical crisis
awoh wah
From political nonsense
awoh wah
I said save your people
awoh wah
From economic shackles
awoh wah
Oh, save your people
awoh wah
From political avarice
I say save Africa
awoh wah
From political ___?
awoh wah
Attention, African soldiers.
Group - La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead –Oh oh la la si kah si kah la yah
Group - La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead- Oh, we’re still calling African soldiers
Group - La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead- African soldiers who fought for freedom
Group - La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead -[Person’s name] an African soldier
[follow this pattern for three more persons whose name I didn't understand]
Sekou Toure an African soldier
Group - La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead -[Person’s name] an African soldier
Group - La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead –La la si kah si kah la yah
[same instrumental as in the beginning of the song]
Lead - woh yoh woh yah
Group- woh yoh who yah
Lead -woh yoh woh yah woh yah
Group-woh yoh who yah
Lead -I want to tell of the African soldiers
Group-woh yoh who yah
Lead - African soldiers who fight for freedom
woh yoh woh yah
I want to tell of the African soldiers now
woh yoh woh yah
African soldiers who fought for freedom
Some are dead and some are living
woh yoh woh yah
Those that are dead are still fighting oh
woh yoh woh yah
Those that are living are still fighting
woh yoh woh yah
___? African soldiers
woh yoh woh yah
Lead -[Person’s name] an African soldier
Group - woh yoh woh yah
[follow this pattern for two more persons whose name I didn't understand]
Some are ___ African soldiers
Group - woh yoh woh yah
__? African soldiers
Group - woh yoh woh yah
__? African soldiers
Group - woh yoh woh yah
[follow this pattern for two more persons whose name I didn't understand]
Lead -African soldiers ____?
Group - woh yoh woh yah
Lead - Show your power, African people now
Group - awoh wah
awoh wah
From economical crisis
awoh wah
I said save your people
awoh wah
From political nonsense
awoh wah
Will you save your people
awoh wah
From economic shackles
awoh wah
I said save your people
awoh wah
From political avarice
awoh wah
I said save your people
awoh wah
From economic shackles
awoh wah
Attention, African soldiers
Lead & Group- Group - La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead – Oh, la la si kah si kah la yah
Group- La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead – I’m still calling all African soldiers
Group- La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead – African soldiers who fought for freedom
Group- La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead -Nelson Mandela is an African soldier
Group- La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead –Yes, Nelson Mandela is an African soldier
Group- La la si kah si kah la yah
Lead – Desmond Tutu is an African soldier
Group
[the lead mentions several more persons whose names I didn't understand]
La la si kah si kah la yah

[instruments]
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell. Additions & corrections are very much appreciated.

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RELATED LINK
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=362_c83KDvw for a "recreated version" of this song. This version was included in the 2011 Ghanaian movie Somewhere In Africa.* In addition to some of the African leaders mentioned in the original song & other African leaders, this version "name checks" [gives a shout out] to such famous African Americans & Black Caribbeans as Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Marcus Garvey.

*Click http://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2011/04/24/new-movie-%E2%80%98somewhere-in-africa%E2%80%99-starring-majid-michel-martha-ankomah-eddie-nartey-david-dontoh-roselyn-ngissah-kofi-adjorlolo-others%E2%80%A6 for information about this movie.

This video shows African teens dressed in their school uniform dancing. Included among those teens is a heavyset girl who is highlighted perhaps for comic effect.

WARNING - The viewer comment thread of this video includes a considerable amount of profanity, racist comments, and argumentative exchanges.

****
Thanks to Sonny Okosun and all those Black persons who maintained their integrity & worked positively on behalf of freedom.
Thanks to the publishers on Youtube of this sound file & these related videos.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Read More

Seven Television Ads That Feature Black Fathers

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases seven television ads that feature Black fathers & their child or children.

Note: I'm sure that these aren't the only positive television ads that include Black people.

Please help me identify more ads such as these from the United States & elsewhere.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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FEATURED VIDEOS
(These television ads are presented in chronological order based on the decade or year that the ad was first aired on television.

Example #1: FOX Kids Commercial – Fatherhood



ebirnholz,·Uploaded on Oct 24, 2006

A blast from the past! This is a Message Totally For Kids from the early '90's on FOX. A father misses playing in the big football game to take care of his son.

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Example #2: Cheerleading Dad



Deborah B., Uploaded on Sep 10, 2008

PSA for Fatherhood.gov
-snip-
"PSA" = public service announcement
This video of this ad is given with captions. A man & his daughter practice cheerleader cheers outside of their apartment.

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Example #3: Tide Commercial Black father and son



Sharra Whitfield, Uploaded on Aug 3, 2009
Little black boy and his dad. The dad is drying his son off. They are laughing together in the bathroom after bath or shower.

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Example #4: Subaru: Kid Wash



Subaru, Published on Sep 24, 2012

The Subaru is the ultimate hand-me-down. This provides a little consolation to a dad who finds his two sons have taken it upon themselves to give the brand-new family Subaru its first car wash.

Music: "Tuned To Love" by The Loose Salute
-snip-
Click http://www.justicejonesie.com/blog/2012/10/subaru-commercial-boys-wash/ for a post about this ad.

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Example #5: LeBron's Day with the Samsung Galaxy Note II (60 second)



samsungmobileusa, Published on Oct 30, 2012

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Example #6: How To Play Defense With Dwyane Wade



dovemencareus, Published on Mar 12, 2013

Need a lesson on defense? Watch as all-star Dwyane Wade shares his defensive strategy in this video.

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Example #7: 'Just Checking': Cheerios' Commercial [HD]



cheerios, Published on May 28, 2013

Share some Cheerios with the person closest to *your* heart.

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RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/06/eleven-non-racist-product-commercials.html

http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/03/songs-about-strong-positive-black-men.html

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Thanks to the producers of these ads. Thanks also to those featured in the videos & thanks to their publishers on YouTube.

Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Read More

LeBron James' Samsung Commercial & The Impressions' "Keep On Pushing" Record

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the 2013 Samsung Galaxy II commercial–featuring basketball star LeBron James and the R&B song "Keep On Pushing" by The Impressions that is heard in the background of that commercial.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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FEATURED EXAMPLES

LeBron's Day with the Samsung Galaxy Note II (60 second)



samsungmobileusa, Published on Oct 30, 2012

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The Impressions -- Keep on Pushing



atomicbounceblog, Uploaded on Jul 11, 2010

The Impressions' lead single from their 1964 same-titled third LP

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Thanks to LeBron James for his positive role modeling in this commercial. Thanks also to The Temptations for their musical legacy. Thanks to all those who are featured in this sound file & video & to the publishers of that sound file & video on YouTube.

Thank you for visiting pancocojam.

Visitor comments are welcome.

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The Temptations - Beauty's Only Skin Deep (lyrics, video, comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the 1966 R&B song "Beauty's Only Skin Deep" by The Temptations. This post also includes comments about the meaning & the history of that folk saying.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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LYRICS - BEAUTY'S ONLY SKIN DEEP
(Writer(s): Norman Whitfield & Edward Holland, Jr.)

So in love, sad as could be
'Cause a pretty face got the best of me.
Suddenly you came into my life
And gave it meaning and pure delight.
Now, good looks I've learned to do without
'Cause now I know it's love that really counts
I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah,

Now, you speak your words warm and sincere
And let me know that your love is here.
A pretty face you many not possess
But what I like about you is your tenderness.
A pretty face may be some guys taste
But I'll take lovin' in its place,
'Cause I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah, yeah yeah.

Now, friends ask what do I see in you.
But it goes deeper than the eye can view.
You have a pleasing personality
And that's an ever lovin' rare quality.
Now, show me a girl, a girl that's fine
And I'll choose the one with true lovin' ev'ry time,
'Cause I know beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
Beauty's only skin deep.
Yeah yeah yeah.
So if you're lookin' for a lover
(Oh, yeah) don't judge a book by its cover.
(Oh yeah) She may be fine on the outside
(Oh yeah) but so untrue on the inside.

Source: www.lyrics007.com

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SHOWCASE VIDEO - Beauty Is Only Skin Deep - Temptations



gmonath, Uploaded on Feb 17, 2012

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COMMENTS ABOUT THIS RECORD
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beauty_Is_Only_Skin_Deep
"'Beauty Is Only Skin Deep' is a 1966 hit single recorded by The Temptations for the Gordy (Motown) label. Written by Norman Whitfield and Edward Holland, Jr., and produced by Whitfield, the song was a number three pop hit and a number one R&B hit in the United States.[1]

The song's theme is inner beauty, and its value over physical appearance. David Ruffin sings lead on this song, relating the story of a man who's become frustrated with dating pretty women with "ugly" attitudes. He now praises his current girl, whom he does not find as physically beautiful, but feels that her personality more than makes up for it. "She may be fine on the outside/but so untrue on the inside", is a typical lyric from the song."

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TRIVIA COMMENTS ABOUT THIS SAYING
"Beauty's But Skin Deep" is a poem by John Davies of Hereford
from 1616.

"There is also an old jingle, author unknown, which parodies the famous beauty line. It reads:
'Beauty is but skin deep, ugly lies the bone;
Beauty dies and fades away, but ugly holds its own'."

Source: http://www.trivia-library.com/b/origins-of-sayings-beauty-is-skin-deep.htm

**
The saying "beauty it's just skin deep, but ugly, it's to the bone" is found in this song/rhyme that is included in Thomas W. Talley's 1922 collection Negro Folk Rhymes: Wise & Otherwise:

LOVE IS JUST A THING OF FANCY
Love is jes a thing o' fancy,
Beauty's jes a blossom;
If you wants to git yo' finger bit,
Stick it at a 'possum.

Beauty, it's jes skin deep;
Ugly, it's to de bone.
Beauty, it'll jes fade 'way;
But Ugly'll hoi' 'er own.

Source: http://www.gutenberg.org/files/27195/27195-h/27195-h.htm Talley's Negro Folk Rhymes [p. 2]

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Thanks to The Temptations for their musical legacy. Thanks also to the composers of this song, and to the publisher of this video on youtube.

Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor commeents are welcome.

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Erykah Badu - Bag Lady (video, lyrics, & comments)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the song "Bag Lady" by Erykah Badu and includes comments about the African American Vernacular English meanings for the word "bag".

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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LYRICS - BAG LADY

Bag lady you gone hurt your back
Dragging all them bags like that
I guess nobody ever told you
All you must hold on to
Is you, is you, is you

One day all them bags gone get in your way
One day all them bags gone get in your way
I said one day all them bags gone get in your way
One Day all them bags gone get in your way

So pack light
Pack light
Pack light
Ooh ooh

Bag lady you gone miss your bus
You can't hurry up
Cause you got too much stuff
When they see you comin
N***gas take off runnin
From you it's true oh yes they do

One day he gone say you crowdin my space
One day he gone say you crowdin my space
I said one day he gone say you crowdin my space
One day he gone say you crowdin my space

So pack light
Pack light
Pack light
Ooh ooh

Girl I know sometimes it's hard
And we can't let go
Oh when someone hurts you oh so bad inside
You can't deny it you can't stop crying
So oh, oh, oh
If you start breathin
Then you won't believe it
You'll feel so much better
(So much better baby)

Bag lady
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Ooh, ooh
Girl you don't need it
I betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
(Need someone to love you right)
Betcha love can make it better
(I betcha love, betcha love)
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
(I betcha love, betcha love)
Betcha love can make it better
(I betcha love, I betcha love, oh)
Betcha love can make it better
Betcha love can make it better
(Oh...)
Betcha love can make it better...

Bag lady, hmm
Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go
Girl you don't need that, hmm

Source: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/erykahbadu/baglady.html

Note: The "n word" is fully spelled out in those lyrics.

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FEATURED VIDEO



ErykahBaduVEVO, Uploaded on Jun 16, 2009

Music video by Erykah Badu performing Bag Lady. (C) 2000 Motown Records

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COMMENTS
From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqN0jsSeqPo

"Is this about materialism?"
-s99bf0c8, 2013
**
"No - the song (in my opinion) is about women and how we should grow up and mature. It is about handling our issues (baggage) that can ultimately destroy our relationships, health, well-being, families, and even how we relate to the world. Our baggage is what keeps us (women) from realizing our full potential and purpose and life. The scene with the babies receiving their bags says it all. We ladies start filling our bags from birth but it is up to us to face our issues and deal with them.
-Blckberi, 2013
**
"the word bags in the song means your personal issues whether issues of past relationship, self esteem issues etc. Wen she says pack light she means dont carry your problems into new relationships or new chapters in your life.. hope dat helped"
-nikababy90, 2013
**
"baggage, can be Mental as well. so  She is saying let all that
"baggage go" "
-ShikaNakamura, 2013
**
"Love this song, leave all your access baggage (issues) in the past"
-pnuttink, 2013
**
"I love this song for many reasons mainly because its the truth baggage keeps you from hurrying up and obtaining all that is for you on your life path. Instead of pointing teh finger check yo bags and get rid of some stuff and mr right, that good job, and happiness and more could be right there stay positive"
-Janet PrincessNaija, 2013

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RELATED LINK
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/06/african-american-vernacular-english-in.html for a post that includes a number of African American Vernacular terms from the mid 1960s.

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Thanks to Erykah Badu for her musical legacy. Thanks also to those who composed this song, and all others who I quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on youtube.

Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor commeents are welcome.

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African American Vernacular English In The Song "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the 1965 song "Papa Got A Brand New Bag" that was composed & performed by James Brown. Special attention is given in this post to examples of African American Vernacular English that are found in that song's lyrics.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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LYRICS - PAPA GOT A BRAND NEW BAG
(Songwriters: Jevon Lendrick Hill, Theron Makiel Thomas, Timothy Jamahli Thomas)

Come here sister.....Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip...about that new breed babe
He ain't no drag
Papa's got a brand new bag

Come here mama....and dig this crazy scene
He's not too fancy....but his line is pretty clean
He ain't no drag.
Papa's got a brand new bag

He's doing the Jerk....
He's doing the Fly
Don't play him cheap 'cause you know he ain't shy
He's doing the Monkey, the Mashed Potatoes,
Jump back Jack, See you later alligator.

Come here sister
Papa's in the swing
He ain't too hip now
but I can dig that new breed babe;
He ain't no drag
He's got a brand new bag

Oh papa! He's doing the Jerk
Papa...he's doing the Jerk
He's doing the twist ... just like this,
He's doing the Fly ev'ry day and ev'ry night
The thing's....like the Boomerang.
Hey....come on
Hey! Hey.....come on
Hey! Hey....he's pu tight...out of sight...
Come on. Hey! Hey!

Source: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/j/james_brown/papas_got_a_brand_new_bag.html

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FEATURED VIDEO
James Brown - Papa's Got A Brand New Bag (From "Legends of Rock 'n' Roll" DVD)



eaglerocktv.,Published on Apr 2, 2012

This amazing concert brings together some of the true pioneers of rock 'n' roll music.
DVD on sale here http://smarturl.it/variouslegendsdvd

Featuring Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, James Brown, Fats Domino and B.B.King. Recorded in Italy in 1989, these legendary artists perform some of their best loved tracks such as Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, Bo Diddley, Great Balls Of Fire, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and Blueberry Hill. At the end of the concert all the performers come together for an all-star jam that leaves the audience hollering for more. It's a rare event indeed that brings so many great live performers together on one bill and this DVD captures the real excitement of the evening.
-snip-
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1aqXJYi8RQ0
for a James Brown performance of "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag"

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AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH TERMS IN THIS SONG
Note: Many of these 1960s African American slang terms are no longer used. Here's my understanding of their meanings:

Come here sister - "sister" here is a general referent for females
**
Papa - a general referent for male; particular one who sees himself as "in charge". [In my opinion, in this song, the vocalist (James Brown) refers to himself as "papa", as "he", and as "I".]
**
Papa's in the swing - the man is at the party scene [where things are winging [jumping, "happening"]; the same as or similar to an announcement that the man [who is singing] is "in the house" [has arrived at the dance/party]
**
He ain't too hip now - he's not completely up to date [with the latest fashions, slang, and/or dances]
**
but I can dig that new breed babe - but I [still can] understand/ relate to women who are [hip, part of this modern scene]
**
He ain't no drag - he's not someone who would slow down the pace of the scene
**
"Bag" - something that a person can lay claim to [probably from the saying "it's [put] in the bag" [something you use to carry what belongs to you]

In the context of this song "bag" refers to new dancees.
**
Come here mama - same as "sister" above
**
dig this crazy scene - check out what is going on at this dance/party
**
he may not be fancy but his line is pretty clean - he may not have expensive clothes, but he still looks good
**
Don't play him cheap 'cause you know he ain't shy - don't underestimate him [the vocalist] because he won't hesitate to call attention to himself [by showing how he dances]
**
Jump back Jack, See you later alligator - two rhyming phrases that African American "hepcats" used in the 1930s & 1940s; These phrases reinforce that "papa" is hip (though somewhat outdated).
**
he's pu tight...out of sight.- two rhyming phrases from the 1960s rhat are high compliments

A person or thing that is "tight" has it all together [has no loose ends; is doing something or is itself very well put together [pu?] Read my comment below under "out of sight".
**
"out of sight" - indescribably good; so good that it's way up in the stratosphere; beyond normal sight [This phrase is usually translated literally by persons who chant the Michael Jackson versions to the handclap rhyme "Down By The Banks Of The Hanky Panky" which includes the lyrics "Billy Jean is out of sight". Click http://cocojams.com/content/handclap-jump-rope-and-elastics-rhymes for examples of those rhymes.]

Note: I personally don't remember saying, reading, or hearing anyone else say "pu tight". However "up tight/out of sight" was very common & was popularized by Stevie Wonder in his 1966 5record "Uptight (Everything's Alright). "Up tight" is probably a shortened form of "wrapped up tight" ("tied tightly"). Could "pu"
be a "hip" way of spelling "up"? (spelling it backwards)?

**
DANCES THAT ARE MENTIONED IN THIS SONG
the Jerk
the Fly
the Monkey
the Mashed Potatoes
the Twist
the Boomerang

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Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/06/erykah-badu-bag-lady-video-lyrics.html for a pancocojams post that focuses on another African American English meaning for the word "bags" in the song "Bag Lady" by Erykah Badu.

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Thanks to James Brown for his musical legacy. Thanks also to those who composed this song, and all others who I quoted in this post. Thanks also to the publisher of this video on youtube.

Thank you for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor commeents are welcome.

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"ABC" It's Easy As 1, 2, 3" Playground Rhyme & It's R&B Record Source

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post features examples of playground rhymes that have the line "ABC, it's easy as 1,2,3" and their R&B record source.

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

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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RHYTHM & BLUES RECORD SOURCE

Video Example #1: JACKSON 5 "ABC" on The Ed Sullivan Show



TheEdSullivanShow Uploaded on May 12, 2010

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FEATURED PLAYGROUND RHYME EXAMPLES

Playground Rhyme Example #1
A.B.C.
It’s easy as 1.2.3.
My momma takes care of me.
My father don’t yell at me.
Caught you with your boyfriend.
Naughty, Naughty.
Didn’t do the dishes.
Lazy, Lazy.
Ate all the candy
Greedy, greedy.
Jumped out the window.
Man, you’re crazy!
-anonymous woman (White; Washington, D. C), collected by Azizi Powell,1999

**
Playground Rhyme Example #2
A B C
it's easy as 1 2 3
yer mama's got funky feet
oosh ahsh I want a piece of squash
sqhash too sweet I want a piece of meat
meat too tough I wanna ride a bus
Buss too full I wana buy a bull
bull too black I want my money back
money too green I want a limosine
Limosine too long
I wanna write a song
song too old I want a pot of gold
gold to yella' I wanna kiss a fella
fella too fat
and that's the end of that

or
gold too yellow I'll Tickle you with a feather (and you reach out and try to tickle the person who you're playing with)

that's all I can remember right now...
-Reebob; 2/12/2004; http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=4300&messages=155 ; Children's Street Songs; 2/12/2004

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Playground Rhyme Example #3 (with video)
ABC (it's easy as 123) hand game



juliacreates13, Published on Aug 12, 2012
-snip-
A-B-C, it’s easy as 1-2-3.
My mama takes care of me.
My daddy watches MTV*
Ohh, ah, I wanna piece of pie.
Pie too sweet, I wanna piece of meat.
Meat too tough, I wanna ride a bus.
Bus too full, I wanna ride a bull.
Bull too black, I want my money back.
Money back too green, I wanna a jelly bean.**
Jelly bean not cooked, I wanna read a book.
Book not read, I wanna go to bed.
Bed not made, I want some lemonade.
Lemonade too sour, I wanna take a shower.
Shower too cool, I wanna go to school.
School to dumb, I wanna suck my thumb.
Thumb too dirty, I wanna ride a birdy.
Birdy too slow, and that's all I know.
Close your eyes and count to ten
Whoever messes up, starts all over again.
1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10.
Snap.
-snip-
[transcription by Azizi Powell]

This is another version of the rhyme that is given as Example #2.

*"MYV" is an American television station that shows music videos of Pop songs.

**In some versions of this rhyme "jelly bean" is given as "lima bean" which makes more sense given the reference to cooking.

The "ooh ah ah i wanna piece of pie" line comes from the 1940 Blues record by Fats Waller.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/06/aunt-maria-jumped-in-fire-there-was-man.html for information about the Fats Waller song and for other examples of "ABC It's Easy As One Two Three".

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Playground Rhyme Example #4

ABC, easy as 123, my daddy drank Cocafee(don’t ask what that is) right off of my feet.
That’s how nasty people can be.
Judge, judge, call the judge!*
Mama’s gonna have a baby, a sweet little choc-o-late baby!
If it’s a boy, I’ll give it a toy.
If it’s a girl, I’ll give it a curl.
If it’s a twin, I’ll give them a spin.
Wrap it up in toilet paper,
Send it down the elevator.
First floor, STOP.
Second floor, STOP.

And then it would just go on until someone screwed it up….usually me.
- ChloeMireille, http://kateharding.net/2009/10/02/miss-lucy-had-friday-fluff/ Shapely Prose; October 2, 2009
-snip-
The word "Cocafee" is probably a form of the word "coffee" and is given that way in another version of that rhyme that I've found.

The line "judge judge call the judge" is usually given as "fudge fudge all the judge". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/12/fudge-fudge-call-judge-twins-triplets.html for examples of the rhyme "Fudge Fudge Call The Judge (mama's having a baby etc.)

The line "That’s how nasty people can be" is a play on the line "that's how easy love can be" from the Jackson 5 record "ABC".

*Click http://cocojams.com/content/handclap-jump-rope-and-elastics-rhymes for that rhyme example & other "ABC It's Easy As 1,2,3" rhymes.

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Thanks to all those who contributed examples that are featured in this post. Thanks to those vocalists whose videos are featured in this post, and thanks to those who published those songs & that handclap rhyme on YouTube.

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Visitor comments are welcome.

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