JESUS ON THE MAINLINE

According to “Blues and Gospel Records 1890-1943”, “Jesus On the Main Line” (sung

by Lillie Knox) and “Jesus On De Main Line Too” (sung by Plantation Echoes) were

recorded by the Library of Congress, both in 1937. These seem to be the earliest

recordings. Other recordings by lots of singers (including Joseph Spence, Gospel

Harmonettes, Isaac Douglas, James Shorty & Viola James, Sam Block, Pilgrim Jubilee

Singers, and Voices of Jordan–whose CDs I have), and is also known as “Jesus Is On the

Mainline,” “On the Mainline,” “Go Tell Him What You Want,” “Tell Jesus (What You

Want).

I know Jesus is on that mainline

Well, the line ain’t never busy

Tell Him what you want

Wo, that line ain’t never busy

Tell Him what you want

Well, the line ain’t never busy

Tell Him what you want

Keep on calling Him up

And tell Him what you want

Well, if you want His kingdom

Tell Him what you want

Well, if you’re sick and wanna get well

Tell Him what you want

Well, if you’re sick and you wanna get well

Tell Him what you want

If you’re sick and you wanna get well

Tell Him what you want

Call Him up and tell Him what you want

And if you’re feeling down and out

Tell Him what you want

And if you’re feeling down and out

Tell Him what you want

And if you’re feeling down and out

Tell Him what you want

Call Him up and tell Him what you want

I know Jesus is on that mainline

Tell Him what you want