Jambalaya
Ballroom Orchestra and Singers Lyrics
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Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
My Yvonne the sweetest one me oh my oh
Son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Well jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
I'm gonna pick guitar fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Well son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Thibodaux Fontaineaux the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Yeah dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my, oh
Well son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Well jambalaya and a crawfish pie
Settle down far from town get me a pirogue
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou
Yeah swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Well jambalaya and a crawfish pie
The lyrics to "Jambalaya" by Ballroom Orchestra and Singers are a cheerful and lively ode to the joy and excitement found in the Louisiana bayou. The song tells the story of the singer, Joe, who is bidding farewell and embarking on a journey down the bayou in a small canoe called a pirogue. He mentions his beloved Yvonne, describing her as the sweetest person he knows. The phrase "son of a gun" is used here as an expression of surprise or excitement.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the celebratory atmosphere of the bayou, with references to traditional Creole and Cajun cuisine such as jambalaya, crawfish pie, and fillet gumbo. These dishes are commonly associated with Louisiana culture and add to the festive ambiance. The singer is excited to reunite with his ma cher amio (my dear friend in French) and plans to play guitar, enjoy drinks from fruit jars, and have a good time.
Thibodaux Fontaineaux is mentioned as a buzzing place where Yvonne's relatives and friends gather to celebrate. They dress stylishly and have a wild and enjoyable time. The overall sentiment in this verse is one of anticipation and the expectation of a memorable gathering among loved ones. The phrase "son of a gun" is repeated, once again emphasizing the excitement and enjoyment that will be had on the bayou.
The final verse mentions the singer settling down away from town, living a simple life close to nature. He plans to fish in the bayou with his pirogue, emphasizing the connection to traditional activities in the region. The phrase "swap my mon" refers to exchanging money to provide for Yvonne's needs. The verse concludes with the repetition of "son of a gun" and the expectation of having a great time on the bayou.
Overall, the lyrics to "Jambalaya" paint a vibrant picture of celebration, good company, and the lively culture found in the Louisiana bayou. The song captures the essence of the region's music, cuisine, and joyful gatherings, inviting listeners to join in the festivities and enjoy life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Well goodbye Joe me gotta go, me oh my, oh
Farewell, Joe, I must depart, my goodness
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
I have to guide the small boat along the bayou
My Yvonne the sweetest one me oh my oh
My Yvonne, the most affectionate one, my goodness
Son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Well, we will certainly have a great time on the bayou
Well jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
Oh, we will enjoy jambalaya, crawfish pie, and gumbo made with fish fillet
Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Because tonight, I am going to see my dear friend
I'm gonna pick guitar fill fruit jar and be gay-o
I will play the guitar, fill up a jar with fruit, and be merry
Well son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Indeed, we will have a splendid time on the bayou
Thibodaux Fontaineaux the place is buzzin'
Thibodaux Fontaineaux is filled with excitement
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Relatives are gathering in large numbers to visit Yvonne
Yeah dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my, oh
They will dress fashionably and have a wild time, my goodness
Well son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Oh yes, we will surely have a great time on the bayou
Well jambalaya and a crawfish pie
Oh, we will enjoy jambalaya and a crawfish pie
Settle down far from town get me a pirogue
I will find a calm place away from the city and acquire a small boat
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou
There, I will catch every fish in the bayou
Yeah swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
I will exchange money to purchase what Yvonne needs
Son of a gun we'll have big fun on the bayou
Well, we will certainly have a great time on the bayou
Well jambalaya and a crawfish pie
Oh, we will enjoy jambalaya and a crawfish pie
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind