Old Man from thr Mountain is Coming Home

[tmal]

Just listened to this old song and I noticed something for the first time. There is reference to someone called Joe the Grinder. In this connection, who or what is a grinder?

 

[Stanley Doble]

Link to the song?

 

[LizzieMaine]

Early 20th century African-American slang for the kind of guy who goes after the wives or girlfriends of prisoners or men otherwise out of town. Named for the habit of "grinding" up against said women at dances to express their particular intentions.

 

[ChiTownScion]

Used in military cadences ("Jody calls") in the form of "Jody." Joe the Grinder -->Joe D.--> Jody. Jody is essentially the guy back home who's stealing your gal, driving your car, drinking your best liquor, etc., while you're off serving Uncle Sam.

One of the "cleaner" variations:


Jody Jody six foot four!
(platoon repeat)
Jody's never been whipped before
(platoon repeat)
I'm gonna take a 96
(platoon repeat)
And put big Jody in a great big fix

 

[tmal]

Thanks. I figured it meant something liked that.