Have you ever heard another ’60s rock band that reminds you of the Rolling Stones? The Shadows of Knight gave me a Stones’ vibe as I listened to more of their music. Their most famous song, “Gloria,” lives on today, especially as the opening track to Francis Ford Coppola’s movie adaptation of The Outsiders (1983).
In July 2022, the band’s lead singer, Jim Sohns, passed away due to a stroke. This Monthly Mixtape review is a tribute to Jimy.
In deciding which song to review, I quickly became stumped between four choices. But, in times like these, friends are here to help! Thanks to my dear friend, Eileen, today we’re featuring “I Got My Mojo Working.”
“I Got My Mojo Working”
Several artists recorded their take on this song, including the Zombies and Manfred Mann. Quite frankly, I’m surprised that CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival) never experimented with it. Nonetheless, after sampling a few of the other covers, I find it hard to not like the Shadows of Knight version better! The original artist and songwriter, Muddy Waters, is also worth a listen, although his version has more blues and folk mixed in.
First off, what is mojo? It’s a slang term that refers to attractiveness, luck, a talisman, and the general casting of a spell. In this song, the denotation refers mainly to luck and attractiveness–aka success in the field of women.
Hold on, feminist folks, because there is a bit of “women as possesion” in this track.
The song’s introduction is quite a jam, as it stirs up the mojo that Sohns will soon be singing about. When he does enter, his raspy vocals lend to the band’s rocky-blues sound.
Instantly, listeners can’t help but wonder why the mojo isn’t working on the current love interest. The repetition of the chorus is almost like the mojo radiating and intensifying. It’s there, it’s there, it’s there, but it’s stuck in limbo.
Sidebar: On one hand, Sohns’ rough vocals may seem a little ridged and forced; but rest assured that his tone contributes to the ’60s rock sound that reminded me of the Rolling Stones. Plus, notice the descending notes on the lyric “work.” Many readers know that I love those types of descending note patterns! 😉
I digress…..
He doesn’t know what to do with the unrequited love, so he travels to Louisiana for help and advice. It seems as though he’s desperately willing to put in the effort and time to make this love connection work. After all, he HAS the mojo, right?
In Louisiana, he finds the gypsy woman, and she gives him advice. Here enters a mood of spells and witchcraft, a negative connotation conjured up simply with the use of the word “gypsy.” The funny thing is, we never know what specific advice the gypsy woman gave him. Unless it’s a dose of “Love Potion No. 9,” he doesn’t seem to be progressing much toward his goal.
Okay, I think he’s angry now. He wants to control ALL the women with his mojo! Um….can you say wannabe chick magnet? At this point, some listeners will get the impression that the male persona in this song just wants control and thus objectifies women. He’s more interested in “making love,” which focuses on the body, not necessarily the essence of the woman herself. But, leaving feminist literary theory aside, the song is still a fun listen!
And….now we’re in love with the.gypsy woman! I wonder whose mojo is more powerful? Does he still want the original unrequited love, or is he wanting to settle down south?
Sadly, by the end, that mojo didn’t sway the woman. It’s frustrating that we’ll never know why.
Before You Go
Don’t forget to listen and subscribe to the Guilty Pleasures of a Classic Soul playlist, which compiles all songs featured on Monthly Mixtape! You can now listen on either YouTube or Spotify!
Confessions of a Classic Soul 