Gospel Song – Jesus Is On the Mainline

Gospel Song – Jesus Is On the Mainline.

This gospel song is considered “traditional,” but surely with roots in the African American folk tradition. Mississippi Fred McDowell (1906-1972) recorded and popularized it in the 1950’s, but a version of it was recorded by the Plantation Echoes as far back as 1937. It has been recorded in the delta blues genre, as well as rock and roll, folk, bluegrass, soul, and New Orleans jazz. “Mainline” was also a part of the civil rights movement in the 1960’s, as Mavis Staples sings it in the link below. There is an endless variety of versions of the lyrics, since performers would tend to add or change according to their message. The mainline was a part of the old school telephone system , with a telephone line connecting a customer’s phone to the major switchboard network. This song confirms that through prayer, Jesus is always available. For more on Mississippi Fred McDowell, refer to the post, “You got to move.”

 

LYRICS – Jesus Is On the Mainline

Jesus is on the mainline, tell him what you want (3x)

You can call him up and tell him what you want.

 

If you’re sick and wanna get well, tell him what you want (3x)

Go on and call him up and tell him what you want.

 

His line ain’t never busy, tell him what you want (3x)

Yes, just call him and tell him what you want.

 

If you’re feeling down and out, tell him what you want (3x)

Call him up and tell him what you want.

 

If your soul’s in danger, tell him what you want (3x)

You go and call him up and tell him what you want.

 

He will come in a hurry, tell him what you want (3x)

Just call him up and tell him what you want.