We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

It Ain't What You Is, It's What You Ain't

from Unearthed by Mokai

/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $0.50 USD  or more

     

  • Buy the Full Digital Album

  • Compact Disc (CD) + Digital Album

    Putting a twist on traditional folk and folk-blues styles, Mokai accompanies his soulful vocals with powerful grooves and smokin’ blues riffs. Propulsive, fingerstyle guitar drives Mokai’s music. Playful, then moving, his compositions touch both on big themes and intricate details.

    On his debut CD “Unearthed”, Mokai uses everything from lush arrangements to spoken word, idiosyncratic guitar work and bold lyrics to blaze his own trail. Joined by a group of extremely talented musicians, including Matt Eakle (Dave Grisman Quintet) and Todd Sickafoose (Ani DiFranco) – the result is a fully realized musical vision.

    ‘Unearthed’ was recorded in the historic Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, California, the studio sound stages (and some of the same microphones!) used on famous recordings by artists such as Jefferson Airplane and CSNY. This gives the acoustic instruments – vocals, guitars, drums, upright bass and wind instruments a rich sonic luster, making this music sound timeless.

    The CD disc has content for the computer, including a graphical interface with lyrics, video and alternate mixes.

    Includes unlimited streaming of Unearthed via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.     ... more
    ships out within 5 days
    edition of 300 
    Purchasable with gift card

      $12 USD or more 

     

  • Buy Disc

about

Original Folk Blues, Fingerstyle

lyrics

It Ain't What You Is, It's What You Ain't
Words and Music © Mokai

Little Sue is much smaller than you
She’s got a tiny hat and a itty bitty shoe
She works short shifts and she lives off her tips
She makes small talk, takes baby steps when she walks

She’s got a heart big as a lion
She’s got a big appetite
I told her I’m buyin’.

Old Buddy is a funny somebody
He’s tall and thin and he’s got cruddy skin
He looks like a jerk and his teeth need work
His posture’s bad, his wardrobe is sad

He’s got a heart pretty as a poem
He’s just a mess o’ tangles, waitin’ for a comb.

Sooner or later, brother, we all discover
You can’t judge a book by its cover
Would you be surprised to find that things are disguised
And they’re often not what you surmised

Crazy Granny is quite uncanny
She’s become untamed, she don’t remember her name
Everything was fine ‘til she started crossin’ state lines
But now she can’t get far ‘cause they took away her car

She’s got a heart, pure as a saint
Sometimes it ain’t what you is
It’s what you ain’t.

No, it ain’t what you is, it’s what you ain't
Ain't what you is, it ain't what you is, it’s what you ain't
What U Ain’t

credits

from Unearthed, released June 11, 2003
Mokai, vocals, solo fingerstyle guitar

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Mokai image

Mokai San Francisco, California

Mokai adds a dose of contemporary attitude to roots music. He's known for his authentic folk-blues picking and eclectic originals.
His guitar style and technique were mentioned in the January 2013 issue of Acoustic Guitar Magazine.
His roots sound and original guitar style echoes his deep connection to the playing of seminal folk artist like Big Bill Broonzy and Dave Van Ronk. ... more

contact / help

Contact Mokai

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this track or account

If you like Mokai, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Beans joins the show to discuss his album release, "ZWAARD".

listen now