Shake Sugaree Online

: Some see it simply as a set of nonsense riddles meant for children.

: The song was originally intended as a way to engage her grandchildren. Cotten would sing the chorus, and then encourage the children to make up their own verses. Shake Sugaree

: The definitive version features Cotten’s 12-year-old great-granddaughter, Brenda Evans , on lead vocals, while Cotten provides her signature "upside-down" guitar accompaniment. What Does "Shake Sugaree" Actually Mean? : Some see it simply as a set

To understand the song, you must understand Cotten’s unique style, often called on lead vocals

: Being left-handed, Cotten played a right-handed guitar held upside-down without restringing it. This meant she picked the bass lines with her fingers and the melody with her thumb.