Magnolia
Cale J.J. Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soft summer breeze
Makes me think of my baby
I left down in New Orleans
I left down in New Orleans
Magnolia, you sweet thing
You're driving me mad
Got to get back to you, babe
You're the best I ever had
You whisper "Good morning"
So gently in my ear
I'm coming home to you, babe
I'll soon be there
I'll soon be there
The song "Magnolia" by J.J. Cale is a romantic tune about a man who is away from his lover and longs to be reunited with her. The first verse mentions the whippoorwill's singing and the soft summer breeze, painting a picture of a peaceful and tranquil setting. However, this only reminds him of his love who he left behind in New Orleans. The repeated line "I left down in New Orleans" emphasizes the distance between them and foreshadows his eagerness to return to her.
The second verse reveals the woman's name, Magnolia, and shows the depth of his feelings for her. He says that she is "driving him mad" and that she's the best he's ever had. This demonstrates not only his physical attraction to her but also their emotional connection. The third verse is a further expression of his love for her. He describes how she whispers "Good morning" in his ear, suggesting an intimacy and closeness that only makes him miss her more.
Line by Line Meaning
Whippoorwill's singing
The sound of the Whippoorwill's singing reminds me of something deep emotional
Soft summer breeze
The gentle summer wind carries with it memories of happiness and love
Makes me think of my baby
The memories and experiences shared with my lover come rushing back to me
I left down in New Orleans
I had to leave my lover behind in New Orleans, and I am feeling the deep pain of separation
Magnolia, you sweet thing
My lover, personified as a Magnolia, is the epitome of sweetness, purity, and love
You're driving me mad
My intense love and desire for my lover are overwhelming and driving me crazy
Got to get back to you, babe
The longing to be with my lover again is so strong, I am compelled to return to New Orleans
You're the best I ever had
My lover is the best thing that ever happened to me, and I treasure the time we spent together
You whisper 'Good morning'
Even the simplest act of my lover whispering 'Good morning' brings immense joy and comfort to my heart
So gently in my ear
My lover's voice is soothing and tender, and it fills me with a sense of safety and belonging
I'm coming home to you, babe
I am filled with hope and excitement at the thought of returning home to my lover
I'll soon be there
I am eagerly looking forward to the moment when I finally reunite with my lover
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: JOHN J CALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
Whippoorwill's singing
Soft summer breeze
Makes me think of my baby
I left down in New Orleans
I left down in New Orleans
Magnolia, you sweet thing
You're driving me mad
Got to get back to you, babe
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had
You whisper "Good morning"
So gently in my ear
I'm coming home to you, babe
I'll soon be there
I'll soon be there
@camig5632
Whippoorwill's singing
Soft summer breeze
Makes me think of my baby
I left down in New Orleans
I left down in New Orleans
Magnolia, you sweet thing
You're driving me mad
Got to get back to you, babe
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had
You whisper "Good morning"
So gently in my ear
I'm coming home to you, babe
I'll soon be there
I'll soon be there
Magnolia, you sweet thing
You're driving me mad
Got to get back to you, babe
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had
@smokinjz
Whippoorwill's singing
Soft summer breeze
Makes me think of my baby
I left down in New Orleans
I left down in New Orleans
Magnolia, you sweet thing
You're driving me mad
Got to get back to you, babe
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had
You whisper "Good morning"
So gently in my ear
I'm coming home to you, babe
I'll soon be there
I'll soon be there
@RocketmanVT1
"Magnolia" was my first wife's absolute-favorite song; she'd play it at home, after a hard day on the flight line - we were both U.S. Air Force, she was the crew chief on an F-4 Phantom, I was radar...She was killed in a single-car accident in the Philippines (my fault - I was driving) one day short of our 15-month anniversary. I had the song played at her funeral (in the US) and wept like a baby.
Forty years, 7 months and 3 days later, I can't listen to this song without struggling to keep from blubbering.
Requiescat in pace, Mr. JJ Cale, and thank you for the comfort your music brought to Linda - and for the times we danced to your songs.
@judemcdonough7867
Stuart Lear wow. my condolences, gone too soon
@anndreno
What a story brother. God bless you
@darrenmills3943
I'm so sorry, brother. I hope you find some peace in comfort in whatever way you can.
@differentdrummer6162
Sorry for your loss brother - thanks for sharing this story.
@rockinhorse561
one of the best album releases.. along with 5 and Okie... fly on brother
@cheyennelowe5109
My dad played drums on this song once at a live show! He was perfect!
@Dom-pj9ft
Where he
@brennerholloman8379
Awesome! 💖
@akifulltv9127
who asked