Ray bega… Read Full Bio ↴Barbara Ray is a South African singer originally from Scotland.
Ray began singing with the Scottish Group the Sundowners. Moving to South Africa she had chart success with singles such as "I Don't Wanna Play House", "Like I Do" and "Funny Face". She was awarded multiple Gold disks such as for "Silver Threads and Golden Needles", and "Down The Mississippi".
In 1976 together with Bobby Angel she won a SARIE for vocal group and in 1979 together with Lance James she won the same award.
Jambalaya
Barbara Ray Lyrics
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Me gotta go-pole the pirogue, down the bayou
My Yvonne, sweetest one, me oh, my oh
Son of a gun, we're gonna have some fun
On the bayou
Well, jambalaya and crawfish pie and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight, I'm gonna see my ma cheri mio
Son of a gun, we're gonna have some fun on the bayou
We'll find the door, something old, place is buzzing
Kin folk come to see the bomb by the dozen
Rust in style for a while and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we're gonna have some fun on the bayou
Well, jambalaya and crawfish pie and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight, I'm gonna see my ma cheri mio
Take guitars, fill the jars and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we're gonna have some fun on the bayou
Well, jambalaya and crawfish pie and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight, I'm gonna see my ma cheri mio
Take guitars, fill the jars and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we're gonna have some fun on the bayou
In Barbara Ray's song "Jambalaya," the lyrics describe a lively scene in Louisiana where the singer bids farewell to someone named Joe and expresses the need to embark on an adventure. The phrase "me gotta go, me oh, my oh" signifies the urgency and excitement of the journey. The singer plans to navigate a small, flat-bottomed boat called a pirogue down the bayou, a term used to describe a stream or a slow-moving body of water connected to a river. The mention of Yvonne implies that the singer wants to be with his sweetheart, who is referred to as "my Yvonne, sweetest one." The phrase "son of a gun" is an expression of surprise or excitement and suggests that they are about to have a great time on their journey.
The chorus of the song introduces the culinary traditions of Louisiana, highlighting dishes such as jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo. These are popular Cajun and Creole dishes known for their rich flavors and influences from French, African, and Native American cuisine. The reference to "ma cheri mio" suggests that the singer is looking forward to reuniting with a loved one, using a term of endearment. The line "take guitars, fill the jars and be gay-o" evokes a sense of celebration, with music and drinks being key elements of the festive atmosphere. Once again, the phrase "son of a gun" emphasizes the anticipation of having a great time on the bayou.
Overall, the lyrics of "Jambalaya" portray a joyful and vibrant scene in Louisiana, where the singer and his sweetheart are setting off on a fun-filled adventure, accompanied by delicious food, lively music, and an atmosphere of celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Good-bye Joe, me gotta go, me oh, my oh
Farewell Joe, I must leave, oh my goodness
Me gotta go-pole the pirogue, down the bayou
I have to navigate the small boat down the bayou using a pole
My Yvonne, sweetest one, me oh, my oh
My dearest Yvonne, the most delightful person, oh my goodness
Son of a gun, we're gonna have some fun
Oh my goodness, we're going to have a great time
On the bayou
In the swampy area
Well, jambalaya and crawfish pie and filé gumbo
Ah, jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight, I'm gonna see my ma cheri mio
Because tonight, I will see my beloved
Take guitars, fill the jars and be gay-o
Bring guitars, fill the jars, and be merry
We'll find the door, something old, place is buzzing
We will discover the entrance, something old, the area is lively
Kin folk come to see the bomb by the dozen
Family members arrive to see the lovely lady in great numbers
Rust in style for a while and be gay-o
Have a bit of rust but still look stylish and be joyous
Well, jambalaya and crawfish pie and filé gumbo
Ah, jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight, I'm gonna see my ma cheri mio
Because tonight, I will see my beloved
Take guitars, fill the jars and be gay-o
Bring guitars, fill the jars, and be merry
Well, jambalaya and crawfish pie and filé gumbo
Ah, jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight, I'm gonna see my ma cheri mio
Because tonight, I will see my beloved
Take guitars, fill the jars and be gay-o
Bring guitars, fill the jars, and be merry
Son of a gun, we're gonna have some fun on the bayou
Oh my goodness, we're going to have a great time in the swampy area
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HANK WILLIAMS, JESSE AARON LUBITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind