Jemima Surrender
The Band · The Brown Album [1969]
Jemima Surrender, I'm gonna give it to you
Ain't no pretender, gonna ride in my canoe
If I were a barker in a girly show
Tell ya what I'd do, I'd lock the door, tear my shirt and let my river flow
Oh, oh, Sweet Jemima wont'cha come out tonight?
The ground is so warm and the moon is so bright
Jemima Surrender, I'm gonna give it to you
I'll bring over my Fender
And I'll play all night for you
There's a bird on my head
And his mouth won't talk
You know he laughs just like a goose
But looks like a hawk
Jemima, you know what I'm try'n to say
Meet me in front and we'll fly away
You can change your name
You can find a new walk
You can change a lock, its all the same
You don't have to give out
If you'll only give in
You can jump and shout
But can't you see girl, that I'm bound to win
Jemima Surrender, I'm gonna give it to you
Ain't no pretender, gonna see my tattoo
I hand you my rod and you hand me that line
That's what you do, now, we ain't doing much fishin'
Or drinkin' any wine
Sweet Jemima, if I were king
I'd fix you up with a diamond ring
Ain't no pretender, gonna ride in my canoe
If I were a barker in a girly show
Tell ya what I'd do, I'd lock the door, tear my shirt and let my river flow
Oh, oh, Sweet Jemima wont'cha come out tonight?
The ground is so warm and the moon is so bright
Jemima Surrender, I'm gonna give it to you
I'll bring over my Fender
And I'll play all night for you
There's a bird on my head
And his mouth won't talk
You know he laughs just like a goose
But looks like a hawk
Jemima, you know what I'm try'n to say
Meet me in front and we'll fly away
You can change your name
You can find a new walk
You can change a lock, its all the same
You don't have to give out
If you'll only give in
You can jump and shout
But can't you see girl, that I'm bound to win
Jemima Surrender, I'm gonna give it to you
Ain't no pretender, gonna see my tattoo
I hand you my rod and you hand me that line
That's what you do, now, we ain't doing much fishin'
Or drinkin' any wine
Sweet Jemima, if I were king
I'd fix you up with a diamond ring
Jemima Surrender
Released on The Band's 1969 album The Brown Album, 'Jemima Surrender' stands as a quintessential example of their signature folk-rock sound. The track features the group's characteristic interplay between harmonies and driving instrumentation, capturing the raw energy of their mid-1960s recordings. While often associated with the broader canon of their work, this specific recording highlights the band's ability to blend storytelling with a gritty, authentic musical texture. It remains a notable song in their discography, reflecting the era's shift toward more organic, roots-oriented rock while maintaining the distinctive vocal arrangements that defined their career.