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
Tell Him what you want
Jesus is on that mainline
Tell Him what you want
Jesus is on that mainline
Tell Him what you want
Call Him up and tell Him what you want
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
If you want His kingdom
Tell Him what you want
If want His kingdom
Tell Him what you want
Call Him up, call Him up, call Him up, call Him up
You can call Him up and 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