In the rock (and roll) community, Bill Monroe may be best known via one of Elvis Presley's earliest recordings at Sun Records, that of Monroe's 'Blue Moon of Kentucky'. Patsy Cline also made a highly regarded version of this song.
Blue Yodel #4
Bill Monroe Lyrics
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She's long she's tall, she six feet from the ground
She tailor made, lord she ain't no hand me down
Oh-di-lay-ee-ay, di-lay-dee-oh, de-lay-ee
She got eyes like diamonds, lord her teeth shine just the same
She got eyes like diamonds and her teeth shine just the same
She got sweet ruby lips, and a hair like a horse's mane
Every time I see you mama, you're always on the street
Every time I see you mama, you're always on the street
You hang out on the corner, like a police on his beat
Oh-di-lay-ee-ay, di-lay-dee-oh, de-lay-ee
Every time I need you mama, lord I always find you're gone
Every time I need you mama, lord I always find you're gone
Listen hear sweet mama, I'm gonna put your air brakes on
Oh-di-lay-ee-ay, di-lay-dee-oh, de-lay-ee
"Blue Yodel No. 4" is a blues-infused country song originally performed by Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys in 1936. The lyrics describe a woman who is tall, striking, and well-dressed. She has a confident demeanor and holds herself with pride. The singer is clearly smitten with her, admiring her diamond-like eyes, shining teeth, and luscious hair. However, he is frustrated by her tendency to always be out on the street, hanging around like a police officer on his beat. When he needs her, she is always gone, which leads him to declare that he needs to "put her air brakes on."
The song is structured in a typical 12-bar blues format, with the lyrics following an AAB pattern. The repetitive "Oh-di-lay-ee-ay, di-lay-dee-oh, de-lay-ee" sound adds to the bluesy feel of the song. While the lyrics may be interpreted as an ode to a striking woman, they also carry a certain amount of irony and social commentary. The singer's frustration with the woman's constant presence on the street may be interpreted as a criticism of women being forced into certain roles or societal expectations.
Line by Line Meaning
She's long she's tall, she six feet from the ground
She is very tall and stands at six feet height from the ground.
She tailor made, lord she ain't no hand me down
She is custom-made and not a second-hand item, indicating her unique and exclusive nature.
She got eyes like diamonds, lord her teeth shine just the same
Her eyes sparkle like diamonds and her teeth are equally shiny and attractive.
She got sweet ruby lips, and a hair like a horse's mane
Her lips are red and luscious, and her hair is thick and flowing like that of a horse's mane.
Every time I see you mama, you're always on the street
Every time I encounter her, she is always outside on the street, possibly indicating that she is a working woman.
You hang out on the corner, like a police on his beat
She hangs out on a street corner like a patrolling police officer, possibly maintaining order in the area.
Every time I need you mama, lord I always find you're gone
Whenever I need her, she is nowhere to be found, leading to a sense of abandonment and lack of availability.
Listen hear sweet mama, I'm gonna put your air brakes on
The artist is asking her to slow down and stay put, possibly to have a conversation or spend time together.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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