Lyrics: Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm
Music: Robbie Robertson and Levon Helm
Sung by Grahame Lesh with Phil Lesh & Friends as part of their tribute
to Levon Helm.
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 you what I'd do
I'd lock the door, tear my shirt
And let my river flow
Oh, oh, Sweet Jemima won't you come out tonight
The ground is so warm and the moon is so bright
Jemima surrender
That's all you have to do
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 he looks like a hawk
Jemima, you know what I'm trying to say
Meet me in the front and we'll fly away
You can change your name
You can find a new walk
You can change a lock
It's 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 fishing
Or drinking any wine
Sweet Jemima, if I were a king
I'd fix you up with a diamond ring