Rock Your Body
Ergo Phizmiz and his Orchestra Lyrics

The first few lines of the song "Rock Your Body" by Ergo Phizmiz and his Orchestra, "Rock-a-bye your baby with a Dixie melody, when you croon, croon a tune from the heart of Dixie," are a reference to the traditional lullaby "Rock-a-bye Baby," which has been sung for generations. However, in this song, the singer is requesting that their baby be rocked with a Dixie melody, referencing the Southern region of the United States. The use of the word "croon" suggests a soft, low, and soothing voice.

The lyrics continue, "Just place my cradle, mammy mine, right on the Mason Dixon line, and swing it from Virginia to Tennessee with all the love that's in ya." The Mason-Dixon line was the boundary line between the Northern and Southern states during the Civil War, and placing the cradle on this line symbolizes the unity between the two regions. The singer wants their baby to be rocked with love, from Virginia to Tennessee, encompassing both Northern and Southern states.

Interestingly, "Rock Your Body" provides a unique commentary on race relations in America during the time in which it was written. The use of the word "mammy" is a reference to the Mammy stereotype, which was a common depiction of African-American women during the Jim Crow era. By using this term, the singer is perpetuating the image of the subservient, nurturing black woman. However, by including references to the Mason-Dixon line and the love that encompasses both Northern and Southern states, the song also symbolizes a desire for unity and equality in America.