Tennessee
Carl Perkins Lyrics


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Now there are folks who like to brag about where they came from
But when they start that stuff, I let 'em be
But it makes me feel like I wanna brag some
To know that I come from the state of Tennessee

Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it up in Nashville every day
Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it in that old Hillbilly way

Mister Red Foley came from Kentucky
Now, Ernest Tubb down in Texas, don't you see
But if all you folks out there can remember
Mister Eddy Arnold came from Tennessee

Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it up in Nashville everyday
Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it in that old hillbilly way

They make bombs they say, that can blow up our world, dear
Well a country boy like me, I will agree
But if all you folks out there can remember
They made the first atomic bomb in Tennessee

Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it up in Nashville everyday
Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it in that old hillbilly way

Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it up in Nashville everyday




Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
As they play it in that old hillbilly way

Overall Meaning

The song "Tennessee" by Carl Perkins is a tribute to the state of Tennessee and its contributions to American music. The first verse talks about people who like to boast about where they're from, but the singer of the song doesn't feel the need to do that until he thinks about the fact that he comes from Tennessee. He takes pride in his home state and wants to give it credit where credit is due.


The next two verses mention specific musicians who are associated with other states, such as Red Foley from Kentucky and Ernest Tubb from Texas, but the singer reminds us that Eddy Arnold, another famous country musician, came from Tennessee. The song credits Tennessee with the creation and continued influence of country and hillbilly music, as heard daily in Nashville.


The final verse takes a more serious turn and refers to the creation of the atomic bomb. The song acknowledges that Tennessee played a role in creating this destructive technology, but still focuses on the positive aspects of the state, particularly its musical heritage.


Overall, "Tennessee" is a tribute to the state and the unique music and culture that was born there. It celebrates the roots of country and hillbilly music in Tennessee and reminds us of the important contributions the state has made to American culture.


Line by Line Meaning

Now there are folks who like to brag about where they came from
Some people enjoy boasting about their origins


But when they start that stuff, I let 'em be
However, I refrain from engaging in such behavior


But it makes me feel like I wanna brag some
But I must admit, it does make me feel proud and want to boast a little


To know that I come from the state of Tennessee
Especially when I consider my home state, Tennessee


Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
Let us acknowledge Tennessee's contribution to the music scene


As they play it up in Nashville every day
Especially in Nashville, where music is performed constantly


As they play it in that old Hillbilly way
Especially in the traditional hillbilly style


Mister Red Foley came from Kentucky
Although Red Foley was from Kentucky


Now, Ernest Tubb down in Texas, don't you see
And Ernest Tubb hailed from Texas, as you may already know


But if all you folks out there can remember
But if I may remind you all


Mister Eddy Arnold came from Tennessee
The talented Eddy Arnold was also a proud Tennessean


They make bombs they say, that can blow up our world, dear
It's been claimed that bombs capable of destroying the world exist


Well a country boy like me, I will agree
I, as a country boy, can attest to this fact


But if all you folks out there can remember
But before you forget


They made the first atomic bomb in Tennessee
Remember that the first atomic bomb was developed in Tennessee


Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
Once again, let us recognize Tennessee's excellence in music


As they play it up in Nashville everyday
And listen to it being played effortlessly in Nashville, every day


Let's give old Tennessee credit for music
For they deserve our praise and recognition


As they play it in that old hillbilly way
Especially when it's played in that nostalgic, old hillbilly fashion




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HARPER JAMES SIMON, PAUL SIMON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

David Stowell

Carl Perkins. The best rockabilly artist of all time.

Marcus

Carl Perkins--Genius..nothing more to say.!!!

W Boyle

Carl Perkins legend

Mr Shashools

Beatles played around with this during the Let It Be recordings...good fun.

pat

rockabilly from the master. nice nice stuff. we all miss you.

Petemonster62

Carl - Don't forget Memphis!

spencer kennedy thompson

whats that animal on his scalp? RIP Carl Perkins, and god bless TN

Rodriggo Misquita

JCash in Back Vocals??

InterGalactic 1

No its jay perkins carls brother

tricky dick

Terrible hairpiece.

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