Phyllis Ruth
16 Horsepower Lyrics


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the chill of coffeeville

she's in those hills still

kindness of her face so white

the chill of coffeeville
lord pray it be your will

that she dwell in your house tonight

as one with spirit yes

she goes where it goes

what my little girl sees from the sill

nobody knows

as one with spirit yeh

she goes where it leads

o boy - that's where my little girl feeds

should i do - do like you

look long with swing eyes

an' never talk about it

phyllis ruth

yeah i should - do as you would

walk right up to that box of wood

step up girl

how far is heaven

i'll go tonight - be a man about it





boy an' hold you tight

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Phyllis Ruth" by 16 Horsepower delve into themes of death, spirituality, and uncertainty. The song pays homage to a young girl who has passed away and reflects on the idea of the afterlife. The singer wishes for Phyllis Ruth to find a peaceful resting place in the afterlife, hoping that she may dwell in God's house tonight. The haunting repetition of "the chill of coffeeville" may represent the fear and uncertainty that comes with the idea of death.


The song creates a sense of mystery and confusion surrounding Phyllis Ruth's passing, with the line "what my little girl sees from the sill, nobody knows." This lyric is open to interpretation, but it may suggest that death is something almost impossible to comprehend and that it's hard to know what happens when we die.


The chorus of "as one with spirit yes, she goes where it goes" speaks to the idea of an immortal soul that lives on after death. Overall, "Phyllis Ruth" explores heavy topics with poetic lyrics and a distinct Southern Gothic feel.


Line by Line Meaning

the chill of coffeeville
The unsettling feeling of the town of Coffeeville


she's in those hills still
Phyllis Ruth's spirit can be felt in the surrounding hills


kindness of her face so white
Phyllis Ruth had a pure and gentle appearance


lord pray it be your will
Hoping that Phyllis Ruth is welcomed into heaven


that she dwell in your house tonight
Requesting that God allows Phyllis Ruth to enter heaven


as one with spirit yes
Phyllis Ruth is connected with the spiritual world


she goes where it goes
Phyllis Ruth follows the spiritual path she is on


what my little girl sees from the sill
The unseen world that only Phyllis Ruth's daughter can see from the windowsill


nobody knows
No one else can comprehend what Phyllis Ruth's daughter sees


as one with spirit yeh
Phyllis Ruth is bound to the spiritual realm she is in


she goes where it leads
Phyllis Ruth follows her spiritual guide


o boy - that's where my little girl feeds
Phyllis Ruth's daughter finds nourishment in the spiritual world


should i do - do like you
Questioning whether to follow the path of the person being addressed


look long with swing eyes
Watch intently with a gaze that swings side to side


an' never talk about it
Keeping quiet about what is seen


phyllis ruth
Referring to the subject of the song


yeah i should - do as you would
Deciding to follow the advice of the person being addressed


walk right up to that box of wood
Approaching the coffin of Phyllis Ruth


step up girl
Encouraging Phyllis Ruth's daughter to stand up and move forward


how far is heaven
Wondering how close or distant heaven is


i'll go tonight - be a man about it
Taking action and being brave and responsible at the same time


boy an' hold you tight
Taking care of Phyllis Ruth's daughter and hugging her tightly




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID EUGENE EDWARDS, JEAN-YVES TOLA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

schizoki

amazing feel and sound