A graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, he claimed to have earned his nickname as a result of his loud speaking and singing voice.
During his career as a recording artist, Moore worked with various jazz musicians, including Bennie Moten, Tommy Douglas and Walter Barnes, and had songs recorded by B.B. King and Rufus Thomas.
In 1949, Moore was ordained as a minister First Church of Deliverance in Chicago and went on to preach and perform as a gospel singer and DJ at several radio stations in Memphis, Birmingham and Chicago.
Moore holds distinctions as a survivor of the 1940 Natchez Rhythm Club Fire and as the first blues singer to perform at Carnegie Hall. A brass note on Beale Street Walk of Fame was dedicated to Moore in 1996. He was also featured in Martin Scorsese's 2003 documentary The Blues.
blue spirit blues
Gatemouth Moore Lyrics
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Tell me what you got on your mind
Please tell me little girl
Pray tell me what you got on your mind
Are you acting so sweet lately
Just because it's getting near Christmas time
I worked hard for you all the year
I worked hard for you all the year
Yet you never tried to satisfy me
Now the time has come for me to give old Santa my plea
Please listen to my plea
You hear me talking
Santi Claus, Mr. Santa Claus
Please listen to my plea
Santi Claus, Mr. Santi Claus
Please listen to my plea
Yeah bring me nothing for Christmas
But a brand new Cadillac and a good woman for me
In "Gate's Christmas Blues," Gatemouth Moore sings to his sweetheart, asking her to tell him what she has on her mind. He notices that she has been acting sweeter towards him lately, leading him to wonder if it is simply because Christmas is approaching. He expresses frustration that he has worked hard for her throughout the year, yet she has never tried to satisfy him. Now, he is hoping that Santa Claus will bring him a brand new Cadillac and a good woman for Christmas.
This song portrays the commercialization of Christmas and the societal pressure to show affection towards loved ones during the holiday season. The singer feels that his sweetheart is only showing him affection because it is expected of her during Christmas time. Furthermore, he emphasizes that he has worked hard all year for her, but she has not reciprocated his efforts. He hopes that Santa Claus will provide him with material possessions and a woman who will satisfy him emotionally.
Line by Line Meaning
Please tell me little girl
Asking for open and honest communication
Tell me what you got on your mind
Wanting to know her thoughts and feelings
Pray tell me what you got on your mind
Expressing a sense of urgency and importance
Are you acting so sweet lately
Noticing a change in behavior
Just because it's getting near Christmas time
Wondering if the change is related to the holiday season
I worked hard for you all the year
Expressing the effort and dedication put into the relationship
Yet you never tried to satisfy me
Feeling neglected and unappreciated
Now the time has come for me to give old Santa my plea
Turning to Santa Claus as a last resort for happiness
Please listen to my plea
Making a fervent request for help
You hear me talking
Asserting the importance of the message
Santi Claus, Mr. Santa Claus
Addressing Santa Claus by various names
Yeah bring me nothing for Christmas
Not desiring any typical holiday gifts
But a brand new Cadillac and a good woman for me
Asking for luxury and companionship
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ARNOLD DWIGHT MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind