I had another Ry Cooder song written up and scheduled to go today, but in a conversation, halffastcyclingclub played me this song while we were talking about something else. I decided to try to write this one up for Sunday. I love the spirit and soulfulness of this song. I’ll post the other Cooder song soon. Halffastcyclingclub posted this song on Ry Cooder’s 75th Birthday here.
This song was on his 1974 Paradise and Lunch album. This isn’t a solo showcase or a guitar clinic. Cooder doesn’t treat roots music like a museum exhibit; he has fun with it. You can hear the respect, but you can also hear the joy. It’s a song that, after a minute, I fell in love with.
He sent me the live version, which I would recommend. It’s an old spiritual, passed down and passed around, sung in churches and on chain gangs, more often associated with Sunday salvation. The writer of this beautiful song is unknown, but has been in the American folk and gospel circles for years. Mavis Staples also did a great version of this one. Cooder’s version is almost like a tent revival crossed with a Muscle Shoals jam session.
Cooder’s guitar is wonderful as always in this, but his voice lifts the whole thing skyward with that gospel chorus. This is the kind of song that you don’t just listen to, you get in and ride with it. The album peaked at #174 on the Billboard Album Charts in 1974.
Jesus On The Mainline
I know Jesus is on that mainlineTell Him what you wantJesus is on that mainlineTell Him what you wantJesus is on that mainlineTell Him what you wantCall Him up and tell Him what you want
Well, the line ain’t never busyTell Him what you wantWo, that line ain’t never busyTell Him what you wantWell, the line ain’t never busyTell Him what you wantKeep on calling Him upAnd tell Him what you want
Well, if you want His kingdomTell Him what you wantIf you want His kingdomTell Him what you wantIf want His kingdomTell Him what you wantCall Him up, call Him up, call Him up, call Him upYou can call Him up and tell Him what you wantWell, if you’re sick and want to get wellTell Him what you wantWell, if you’re sick and you want to get wellTell Him what you wantIf you’re sick and you want to get wellTell Him what you wantCall Him up and tell Him what you want
And if you’re feeling down and outTell Him what you wantAnd if you’re feeling down and outTell Him what you wantAnd if you’re feeling down and outTell Him what you wantCall Him up and tell Him what you want
I know Jesus is on that mainlineTell Him what you wantJesus is on that mainlineTell Him what you wantJesus is on that mainlineTell Him what you wantCall Him up, call Him up, call Him up, call Him upCall Him up and tell Him what you want
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