i.e. Lightnin' Hopkins' song from way back. I know he's going to 'get him a mojo hand,' but I'd like to know what that means! A Mojo Hand is a root that some believers of Hoodoo used to carry with them in a "Nation Sack", which they believed to give them supernatural powers in sexuality and finances. Other things that could've been included in the Nation Sack were John the Conquerer Root, or Gris Gris, all depending on what the singer was desiring. Sometimes they'd even get a piece of hair ftom someone they hoped to cast a spell on.
They're are many references to them in blues songs from the 40's-60's. Muddy mentioned Black Cat Bones, Mojo Hands, and John The Conqueror Root in "I Just Want To Make Love To You".
Lightnin', Gatemouth Brown, Hop Wilson, Dr. John, even Johnny Winter all referred to one or more of those roots in their music......it's always revelatory when you find these things out, and gives a better understanding of where those artists were coming from. Great question!! |
