MOAN, YOU MOANERS
Spencer Williams

as rec by Bessie Smith  June 9th 1930 New York

also rec by-
Fletcher Henderson & his Orch '34
The Three Ambassadors w Gus Arnheim & his Orch


Sisters and brothers, we met here on some serious business!
There's been some back-bitin' goin' on,
And the thing I wants to know
Is who's been doin' it?
It's a shame, it's a shame, it's a shame!
The thing I wants to know
Is what bit me on my, I mean who bit me on my back?

Hear you sinners, hear my call,
Satan's waitin' for you all!
Better ger your souls washed white,
Better see the light! (amen!)

Fire is burnin' down below,
If you ain't right, down you go
To original hot brimstone!
Let's you start right in to moan.

You better get down on your knees (mmm-mmm)
And let the good Lord hear your pleas, (oh yes!)
Or else you want to rest with ease,
Moan, you moaners!

Yes, send your head way down and pray, (mmm-mmm)
To have the devil chase away, (oh yes!)
and let your soul be saved today,
Moan, you moaners!

Singin' "Hallelujah!",
"Blood Of The Lamb",
Let your voices rise!
Hear me talkin' to ya,
Ain't got no time to sham,
Everybody gets to Paradise!

You must repent without a doubt (mmm-mmm)
And let the good Lord hear you shout! (oh yes!)
Religion turns you inside out,
Moan, you moaners!

You better get down on your knees (mmm-mmm)
And let the good Lord hear your pleas, (oh yes!)
Or else you want to rest with ease,
Moan, you moaners!

Yes, send your head way down and pray, (mmm-mmm)
To have the devil chase away, (oh yes!)
and let your soul be saved today,
Moan, you moaners!

Singin' "Hallelujah!",
"Blood Of The Lamb",
Let your voices rise!
Hear me talkin' to ya,
Ain't got no time to sham,
Everybody gets to Paradise!

Repent without a doubt, (mmm-mmm)
Let the good Lord hear you shout! (oh yes!)
Religion turns you inside out,
Moan, you moaners!




(Transcribed by Peter Akers - February 2011)