1920s blues song "Please don't tickle me"

[TMF Jeff]

I just stumbled across this, and normally I wouldn't have thought twice because usually songs about tickling are either about something else, or a kids song, or so generic it's not interesting.

But the lyrics of this one were so specific, it caught my eye.

youtube.com/watch?v=-15e7dMP1EQ&list=OLAK5uy_lc91cZPey7dV_DdXjoETloQ6YakHHfTRs

A fellow and his girlie were
Out one day for a walk
When one is jealous, how can you tell?
That was most their talk
He said "If one is ticklish
That is a sign of jealousy"
She said "Right here, I'll tell you, dear
Don't ever tickle me"

[Chorus]
Please don't tickle me, baby
For it has such effect on me
I'll ask you, please, don't take advantage of me
You've got me just as silly as can be
I'll go into hysterics maybe
If you keep on tickling me
It makes me feel so unnecessary
Though you are the one I cherish
I adore you, but implore you
Please don't tickle me, babe

[Bridge]
Just imagine sudden little shocks of electricity
Continually traveling back and forth through your body
A fly at the same time crawling down your back
You may not think it's serious, but it's a fact
With the end of a straw rubbing the sole of your foot
At the same time, a feather moving in your ear
You can't deny, you're forced to verify
With them all acting at once, you wasn't bound to feel fair
Why, to be tickled is a sensation that is hard to explain
Why, I was tickled once, I nearly went insane

[Chorus]
So please don't tickle me, baby
For it has such effect on me
I'll ask you, please, don't take advantage of me
You've got me just as silly as can be
I'll go into hysterics maybe
If you keep on tickling me
It makes me feel so unnecessary
Though you are the one I cherish
I adore you, but implore you
Please don't tickle me, baby
Please don't tickle me, babe

 

[tickle_maniac]

Excellent find! Considering how often songwriters are inspired by real life experiences; I wonder who tickled her and how much... 🤣

 

[MikeMenace]

Just imagine sudden little shocks of electricity
Continually traveling back and forth through your body
A fly at the same time crawling down your back
You may not think it's serious, but it's a fact
With the end of a straw rubbing the sole of your foot
At the same time, a feather moving in your ear
You can't deny, you're forced to verify
With them all acting at once, you wasn't bound to feel fair
Why, to be tickled is a sensation that is hard to explain
Why, I was tickled once, I nearly went insane

Judging by how specific she gets with spots and tools, she must have been dating one of us XD

 

[rally]

Ha, this is quite amusing. Makes me remember this bizarre music video:

youtube.com/watch?v=6WAuCEPBZ1o

Always wondered what the backstory on this was...

 

[milagros317]

This is a great find.
Sadly, not much is known about Josie Miles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josie_Miles