“Diamond Joe (II)”
Description
Mostly floating verses with a hint of narrative; singer goes "up on the mountain, give my horn a blow...." "Ain't gonna work in the country, neither on (Parchman?) farm...." Chorus: "Diamond Joe, come-a get me, Diamond Joe"
Long description
Mostly floating verses with a hint of narrative; singer goes "up on the mountain, give my horn a blow/Thought I heard Miss Maybelle say, yonder comes my beau." "Ain't gonna work in the country, neither on (Parchman?) farm/I'm gonna stay till my Maybelle come, she gon' call-a me Tom." Chorus: "Diamond Joe, come-a get me, Diamond Joe"
Notes
This should not be confused with the cowboy complaint song "Diamond Joe (I)," an entirely separate song.
Art Thieme has suggested that the Diamond Joe referred to in this song is a steamboat rather than a person. - PJS
Recordings
- Charlie Butler, "Diamond Joe" (AFS, 1941; on LCTreas, LC04)
- Georgia Crackers [Cofer Bros.], "Diamond Joe" (OKeh 45098, 1927)
References
- DT, (DIAMONJ3 -- though this may be at least partly a parody)
- Roud #3585
- BI, RcDiJoII