“Don't You Hear Jerusalem Mourn?”

Description

Describes the foibles of various denominations of preachers; a Baptist has a bottle in his pocket, etc. Chorus: "Don't you hear Jerusalem Mourn?...Thank God for the heaven bells a-ringin' and my soul starts singin'"

Long description

Describes the foibles of various denominations of preachers; a Baptist has a bottle in his pocket, a Hardshell "never chews his own tobacco nor drinks his own booze," a Presbyterian is stiff-necked, a Holy Roller "gets them all a-rolling then he kicks the lights out." Chorus: "Don't you hear Jerusalem Mourn?...Thank God for the heaven bells a-ringin' and my soul starts singin'"

Notes

This seems to be a distant parody of a spiritual, "Jerusalem Mourning", recorded in 1910. I suspect a minstrel origin. - PJS

Recordings

  • Warren Caplinger, "Jerusalem Mourn" (Vocalion 5240, 1928)
  • Bill Chitwood & Bud Landress, "Jerusalem Mourn" (Brunswick 2809, 1925)
  • Gid Tanner & his Skillet Lickers, "Can't You Hear Jerusalem Moan" (Columbia 15104-D, 1926)

References

  1. DT, JERUSLEM*
  2. Roud #4945
  3. BI, RcDYHJM

About

Alternate titles: “Don't You Hear Jerusalem Moan?”
Author: unknown
Earliest date: 1925 (recording, Bill Chitwood & Bud Landress)