I Went Down to Virginia
Frank Sinatra Lyrics

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I went down to Virginia and no one sent for me,
I went down to Virginia to see what I could see.
Well I found the horses that some of the gals took bets,
The spirits of the states are guaranteed high sets
So I stayed down in Virginia 'cause that looked good to me.

I went down to Virginia and I didn't know a soul,
No wonder folks befriend ya, their hearts are made of pure gold.

While the civic minded citizens are all so kind,
They feed you with you hook a fish on every line,
So I stayed down in Virginia, that's how much I've been sold.

So bless the day that brought me here,
And bless the folks I love so dear.
Well, brother, if you ever plan a coming this way,
You find the things that's just exactly like I say.

I stayed down in Virginia, Virginia USA.
Yes, I went down to Virginia, I went by my request,
No one needs recommend ya, 'cause you are a welcome guest.

Well, I never thought I'd find a place where I could be
Just happy as a jaybird in a cherry tree,
So I stayed down in Virginia, 'cause that's the very best,
So bless the day that brought me here,
And bless the folks I love so dear.

Why, I plumb forgot to mention 'bout the biggest deal,
My gal is named Virginia, that's Virginia real,
So I stayed down in Virginia, Virginia, Virginia, USA.

Overall Meaning

The song "I Went Down to Virginia" by Frank Sinatra is a cheerful tune about the singer's travels to Virginia. The lyrics speak of his delight in discovering the beautiful horses and the warm hospitality of the people in Virginia. He notes that everyone he met was so friendly and welcoming, and he felt right at home. The people were genuinely sincere in their kindness and the experience left Sinatra in wonder about the place.

Sinatra also sings about his love interest, who happens to be named Virginia. He portrays her as the biggest deal in his life, showing her complete love and affection. Overall, this song is about forming meaningful connections with people, discovering new places, and finding love along the way. It conveys a positive message about the beauty of Virginia and the great memories that can be created from travels.

Line by Line Meaning

I went down to Virginia and no one sent for me,
I traveled to Virginia on my own, without being invited or called upon.

I went down to Virginia to see what I could see.
I went to Virginia to discover and explore the place.

Well I found the horses that some of the gals took bets,
I discovered the horses that some of the women were betting on.

The spirits of the states are guaranteed high sets
The energy and atmosphere of Virginia is high and lively.

So I stayed down in Virginia 'cause that looked good to me.
I decided to stay in Virginia because it seemed like a good place to be.

I went down to Virginia and I didn't know a soul,
I didn't know anybody in Virginia when I arrived.

No wonder folks befriend ya, their hearts are made of pure gold.
People in Virginia are friendly and kind-hearted.

While the civic minded citizens are all so kind,
The citizens of Virginia are community-oriented and generous.

They feed you with you hook a fish on every line,
They offer you abundant hospitality and generosity.

So I stayed down in Virginia, that's how much I've been sold.
I was convinced to stay in Virginia because of the positive experiences I had.

So bless the day that brought me here,
I express gratitude for the day that brought me to Virginia.

And bless the folks I love so dear.
I appreciate and value the people I have come to love in Virginia.

Well, brother, if you ever plan a coming this way,
If you plan to visit Virginia in the future, my friend,

You find the things that's just exactly like I say.
You will find that my description of Virginia is exactly accurate.

I stayed down in Virginia, Virginia USA.
I spent my time in Virginia, a state in the United States of America.

Yes, I went down to Virginia, I went by my request,
I chose to go to Virginia on my own accord,

No one needs recommend ya, 'cause you are a welcome guest.
Visitors are welcomed in Virginia without needing any recommendations.

Well, I never thought I'd find a place where I could be
I never thought I would find such a comfortable and enjoyable place.

Just happy as a jaybird in a cherry tree,
I am as happy as can be in Virginia.

So I stayed down in Virginia, 'cause that's the very best,
I decided to stay in Virginia because it is the very best place for me.

Why, I plumb forgot to mention 'bout the biggest deal,
I forgot to mention the most important detail.

My gal is named Virginia, that's Virginia real,
My girlfriend's name is Virginia, which is a real coincidence.

So I stayed down in Virginia, Virginia, Virginia, USA.
I stayed in Virginia, which seems like a perfect place for me and my girlfriend to live.

Lyrics © DAVID MANN MUSIC CO
Written by: DAVE MANN, REDD EVANS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Mike

on The Lady Is A Champ

eight

She gets too hungry for dinner at eight
She can't eat late and stay up all night, because unlike society types, she has to get up in the morning.

She likes the theatre and never comes late
She cares more about seeing the play than being seen making an entrance.

She never bothers with people she'd hate
Her friends are friends, not social trophies.

Doesn't like crap games with barons or earls
While barrns and earls probably don't play craps, she associates with friends, not people to be seen with.

Won't go to Harlem in ermine and pearls
She doesn't "slum", the practice of the rich in the 30's, when the song was written, of touring poor neighborhoods dressed in rich clothes to "tut, tut" about the deplorable conditions, and congratulate each other for "caring about the poor"

Won't dish the dirt with the rest of the girls
Doesn't trade gossip for acceptance among an in-crowd

She likes the free, fresh wind in her hair
She cares more about how her hair feels than conforming with current hair fashions

Hates California, it's cold and it's damp
Since most of California is noticeably warmer and / or drier than New York, where the play the song was written for is set, this is probably a facetious excuse to like what she likes.

And she won't go to Harlem in Lincoln's or Ford's
Another reference to slumming, but facetious, since Lincolns and Fords were middle-class, not luxury brands when the lyric was written

Anonymous

on Try a Little Tenderness

Here are the correct lyrics

Try A Little Tenderness - Frank Sinatra - Lyrics

Oh she may be weary
Women do get wearied
Wearing that same old shabby dress
And when she’s weary
You try a little tenderness

You know she’s waiting
Just anticipating things she’ll may never possess
While she is without them
Try just a little bit of tenderness

It’s not just sentimental
She has her grieve and her care
And the words that soft and gentle
Makes it easier to bear
You wont regret it
Women don't forget it
Love is their whole happiness
And it’s all so easy
Try a little tenderness

Musical Interlude

And, it’s all so easy
Try a little tenderness