shake that thing

Papa Charlie Jackson set the style with his new dance; but got sick and tired of tellin' us to do it.  Born in New Orleans, Jackson moved to Chicago where he made a name for himself playing a six string banjo on the street and at house parties in the 1920's.  Work as a session man led to solo records (like  "Papa's Lawdy Blues" and "Airy Man Blues") on the Paramount label.  The 'hokum' style he helped to create featured humorous innuendo set to a danceable  rhythm.   In 1925, he recorded "Shake That Thing", which became a minor sensation.  


The song has been covered by many artists including:   

Woody Allen and his New Orleans Jazz Band
Vince Giordano's Nighthawks
Big John Hurt
Abe Lyman's California Orchestra
Taj Mahal
Viola McCoy
Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions / Grateful Dead 
Turk Murphy and Lu Watters
Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band
Ethel Waters




"Shake That Thing"

Now down in Georgia, they got a dance that's new.
They're ain't nothing to it, it's easy to do.
They call it "Shake That Thing".
Call it "Shake That Thing".
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

Now it ain't no "Chocolate", ain't no "Pigeon Wing",
All you got to do, is shake that thing.
They call it "Shake That Thing".
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

Now the old folks like it, the young folks too.
The old folks showing the young folks how to do.
They call it "Shake That Thing".
Call it "Shake That Thing".
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

Now get back children, and Dina too.
Let the men show you just how to do.
You're gonna shake that thing.
Oh shake that thing.
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

I was walking downtown, and stumbled and fell.
My mouth fell open like a country well.
Why don't you shake that thing.
Oh, why don't you shake that thing.
I'm getting sick and tired, of telling you to shake that thing.

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

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

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

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