Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of… Read Full Bio ↴Bill Monroe (September 13, 1911 – September 9, 1996) developed the style of country music known as bluegrass, which takes its name from his band, the "Blue Grass Boys," named for his home state of Kentucky. Monroe's performing career spanned 60 years as a singer, instrumentalist, composer and bandleader. He is often referred to as "the father of bluegrass."

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.

Tennessee
Bill Monroe Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You have heard and read about the state of Tennessee
Down in the southern states is where I wanna be
Where the valleys are so green and mountains are so tall
You will know just what I mean when you hear them say "You all"

Tennessee
(Tennessee)
I hear you callin' me

(I hear you callin' me)
The home of Davy Crockett in the hills of Tennessee

When I was a little boy around the folks at home
My mama always said to me, "Jimmy, please don't roam"
Now that I have straight away my heart is full of woe
When I think of Mom and Dad that's where I wanna go

Tennessee
(Tennessee)
I hear you callin' me
(I hear you callin' me)
The home of Davy Crockett in the hills of Tennessee

If ever I get back to that state of Tennessee
I tell you there'll be no more roamin' for me
There lives a sweetheart who said, "She'd marry me"
As soon as I get back to that state of Tennessee

Tennessee
(Tennessee)
I hear you calling me

(I hear you calling me)
The home of Davy Crockett in the hills of Tennessee

Overall Meaning

The song "Tennessee" by Bill Monroe is a tribute to his home state, Tennessee. The first verse of the song talks about how Tennessee has been popularized in various forms, including in songs and literature. When he says, "you all," he refers to the people of Tennessee, who have a distinctly Southern accent. He mentions the green valleys and tall mountains of Tennessee, which make it a beautiful state. The second verse talks about the singer's childhood memories of his mother cautioning him not to stray too far from home. But, as an adult, the singer has moved away, and now, he feels homesick and longs to return to Tennessee. In the third verse, he talks about a sweetheart he left behind in Tennessee, and how he plans to return to her as soon as possible.

The song's lyrics can be interpreted to mean that no matter where you go in life, your home state remains a special place in your heart. It's a tribute to Southern culture and how it's imbued in the people of Tennessee.

Line by Line Meaning

You have heard and read about the state of Tennessee
Tennessee is a well-known state that people have heard and read about.

Down in the southern states is where I wanna be
The southern states are the desired location for the singer.

Where the valleys are so green and mountains are so tall
The natural landscape of Tennessee is appealing to the singer because of its beautiful green valleys and tall mountains.

You will know just what I mean when you hear them say "You all"
The artist is referring to the Southern dialect and wants others to experience the same feeling of connection to the region when they hear it.

Tennessee
The name of the state the artist is referring to.

(Tennessee)
The singer is emphasizing the name of the state.

I hear you callin' me
The singer is feeling a pull towards Tennessee.

(I hear you callin' me)
The artist is emphasizing that they feel a strong call towards Tennessee.

The home of Davy Crockett in the hills of Tennessee
The artist is referencing Davy Crockett as a famous Tennessee hero and emphasizing the state's history and culture.

When I was a little boy around the folks at home
The artist is looking back on their childhood when they were around family and community.

My mama always said to me, "Jimmy, please don't roam"
The singer's mother cautioned them against wandering away from home.

Now that I have straight away my heart is full of woe
The artist regrets leaving and feels a sense of sadness in their heart.

When I think of Mom and Dad that's where I wanna go
Thinking of their family makes the singer want to go back to Tennessee.

If ever I get back to that state of Tennessee
The singer is hopeful that they will be able to return to Tennessee one day.

I tell you there'll be no more roamin' for me
The singer is declaring that if they get back to Tennessee, they will stay and not roam anymore.

There lives a sweetheart who said, "She'd marry me"
The artist has a romantic interest in Tennessee and has been promised marriage by their sweetheart.

As soon as I get back to that state of Tennessee
The artist's romantic interest is waiting for them in Tennessee.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DOYLE NEIKIRK, JIMMY H. MARTIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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