Blue Yodel No. 4
Bill Monroe and His Bluegrass Boys 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
The lyrics to Bill Monroe and the Bluegrass Boys' song "Blue Yodel No. 4" describe a woman who is "long and tall" and "six feet from the ground." She is described as being "tailor made," which implies that she is sophisticated and well put-together. Her physical features are also described in detail - her eyes are "like diamonds," her teeth are shiny, and her lips are sweet and ruby-colored. However, despite her beauty, the singer expresses frustration with her tendency to "hang out on the corner," comparing her to a police officer on patrol. He also notes that every time he needs her, she is gone. The repeated refrain of "oh-di-lay-ee-ay, di-lay-dee-oh, de-lay-ee" adds a sense of urgency and a hint of sadness to the song.
Overall, the song's lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is both alluring and frustrating to the singer. However, the upbeat melody and the use of traditional bluegrass instruments like the banjo and mandolin give the song a lively and energetic feel.
Line by Line Meaning
She's long she's tall, she six feet from the ground
She is physically tall, standing 6 feet above the ground.
She tailor made, lord she ain't no hand me down
She has been custom-made to perfection and is not a second-hand or pre-owned item.
She got eyes like diamonds, lord her teeth shine just the same
Her eyes sparkle like diamonds and her teeth have the same radiant shine.
She got sweet ruby lips, and a hair like a horse's mane
Her lips are red like rubies and her hair is thick and flowing, resembling that of a horse's mane.
Every time I see you mama, you're always on the street
Whenever I encounter you, mother, you are always in public locations.
You hang out on the corner, like a police on his beat
You loiter at street corners, similar to how a police officer patrols his designated area.
Every time I need you mama, lord I always find you're gone
Each time I require your presence, mother, you are not available.
Listen hear sweet mama, I'm gonna put your air brakes on
Pay attention, dear mother, I am going to ensure that you stay put and don't wander off.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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