The lyrics were based on the American folk song "Mockingbird." It has virtually the same lyrics as the "Mockingbird" adaptation by Charlie and Inez Foxx in 1963, which was later recorded by James Taylor and Carly Simon.
Bo Diddley was born Ellas Bates. He had his name changed to Ellas McDaniels when he was adopted. He took his stage name from a one-stringed Deep South instrument, the Diddley Bow.
Originally titled "Uncle John," the song was rejected by the owners of Chess Records because the original lyrics were "too dirty" for the white American record-buying public. In response, Diddley re-wrote the lyrics and named the song after himself. From this point forward, Diddley often put his name in his songs.
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