Shake Sugaree
Taj Mahal (Children's) Lyrics
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Such as, 'Freight Train' and 'Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie'
And she wanted this song to be sung by children
All over the place and all over the world
And that's why we are bringin' it to you}
{Also, many other famous people have recorded this song
And it's a great song to sing
Have a little song
Won't take long
Sing it right
Once or twice
Oh Lordy me, didn't we shake sugaree?
Everything I got is down in pawn
Everything I got is down in pawn
Pawned my watch
Pawned my chain
Pawned everything
Even pawned my own name
Oh Lordy me, didn't we shake sugaree?
Everything I got is down in pawn
Everything I got, I got in pawn
Have a secret
I ain't gonna tell
I'm goin' to heaven
And I ain't goin' to
Oh Lordy me, didn't I shake sugaree?
Everything I got is down in pawn
Everything I got is down in pawn
Pawned my buggy
Pawned my plough
Pawned everything
Even pawn my old cow
Oh Lordy me, didn't I shake sugaree?
Everything I got is down in pawn
Everything I got is down in pawn
Have a secret
I ain't gonna tell
I'm goin' to heaven
In a brown pea shell
Oh Lordy me, didn't I shake sugaree?
Everything I got is down in pawn
Everything I got is down in pawn
Have a little song
Won't take long
Sing it right
Once or twice
Oh Lordy me, didn't I shake sugaree?
Everything I got, I got in pawn
Everything I got is down in pawn
The lyrics to Taj Mahal’s “Shake Sugaree” describe a person who has pawned everything they own, including their watch, chain, buggy, plow, and even their own name. The repeated line “didn’t we shake sugaree” is likely a reference to the traditional folk song “Sugaree,” which has a similar sentiment about economic hardship. Despite the singer’s predicament, they have a secret that they won’t tell: they’re going to heaven in a brown pea shell. The final lines of the song repeat the idea that everything the singer owns is down in pawn, reinforcing the themes of poverty and struggle throughout the lyrics.
The song was written by Elizabeth Cotton, who is also responsible for the folk classics “Freight Train” and “Oh Babe, It Ain’t No Lie.” Cotton had a strong affinity for children and wanted “Shake Sugaree” to be sung by kids around the world. The idea that the song has been covered by many famous people is also mentioned, tying the tune to a broader musical tradition.
Line by Line Meaning
And Elizabeth Cotton is a writer of very fine songs
Elizabeth Cotton is a songwriter who has written many excellent songs.
Such as, 'Freight Train' and 'Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie'
Two examples of Cotton's great songs are 'Freight Train' and 'Oh Babe, It Ain't No Lie.'
And she wanted this song to be sung by children
Cotton hoped that children would sing this song.
All over the place and all over the world
She wanted the song to be sung in many different locations and by people from different countries.
And that's why we are bringin' it to you
We are sharing this song with you because Cotton wanted it to be widely known and enjoyed.
Also, many other famous people have recorded this song
This song has been popular among many well-known performers.
And it's a great song to sing
This song is highly enjoyable to sing.
Remember, this is 'Shake Sugaree'
Keep in mind that the title of this song is 'Shake Sugaree.'
Oh Lordy me, didn't we shake sugaree?
Expressing surprise about an experience shared with another person, such as dancing or having a good time.
Everything I got is down in pawn
Everything that the person owns is currently held by a pawnbroker in exchange for a loan.
Pawned my watch
The person put their watch in pawn.
Pawned my chain
The person put their jewelry chain in pawn.
Pawned everything
The person put all of their possessions in pawn.
Even pawned my own name
The person felt that they had lost their identity and sense of self-worth, which they also metaphorically 'pawned.'
Have a secret
The person wants to keep something private.
I ain't gonna tell
The person is determined to keep their secret.
I'm goin' to heaven
The person believes they will go to heaven after they die.
And I ain't goin' to
The person is emphasizing the finality of their decision to keep their secret.
Pawned my buggy
The person put their horse-drawn carriage in pawn.
Pawned my plough
The person put their farming tool used to break up soil in pawn.
Pawn my old cow
The person put their cow in pawn.
In a brown pea shell
The person will go to heaven in a small container.
Everything I got, I got in pawn
The person eventually realized that they owned nothing more than what they once pawned.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TAJ MAHAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind