James Stinson chose the alias, 'Clarence G' as a reference to an author 'Clarence G. Hamilton' who wrote books regarding music theory and music history. Some of the titles of the books are:
- Epochs in Musical Progress
- Outlines of Music History
- Sound: And Its Relation To Music
- Touch and Expression in Piano Playing
Drexciya, James Stinson, were very secretive in their production techniques and influences, but this is one of many Drexciyan mysteries solved.
Bon Ton Roula
Clarence Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm one smart Frenchmen never been to school
You want to get some-where in a Creole town
To Start let me show you, your way to town
You let the Bon Ton Roula, you let the mule-a bool-a
Now don't you be no fool-a, you let the Bon Ton Roula
I got a Creole gal, she's one fine dish
But she's got ways like the old craw-fish
She don't know nothing, but raise sand all night
But when it come to making love, she's alright
If you want to have yourself, some real-fine fun
Go down to Louisiana and get you some
You'll find her cutting cane all down the line
I got a cotton picker, she's really fine
At the church bazaar or the baseball game
At the French tra-la it's all the same
If you want-a have fun you got to go
Way out in the country to the zydeco
In Clarence Garlow's "Bon Ton Roula," he takes us on a journey into the heart of a Creole town. He portrays himself as a clever Frenchman who is here to guide and advise us on how to navigate this town. He gives us sound advice on how to get around in the town, which includes letting the "Bon Ton Roula" and the "Mule-a bool-a" do their thing, while also warning us not to be fooled by the town's apparent simplicity.
Garlow sings about his Creole girlfriend, who is a fine dish, but her ways are like an old craw-fish. She may not know much, but she can always be counted on to raise a ruckus, but when it comes to lovemaking, she's alright. The song exudes a strong sense of fun and mischief, inviting the listener to go down to Louisiana and cut loose. Garlow mentions a cotton picker who is really fine, emphasizing the song's carefree nature and the artist's fondness for the good things in life.
Through "Bon Ton Roula," Clarence Garlow gives us a glimpse into the world of a southern Creole town, its culture, and its people. The song is an invitation to let one's hair down and embrace joy, dance, and music, all of which are central to the Creole experience.
Line by Line Meaning
You see me there but I ain't no fool,
I may not have a degree, but I am no idiot and I know what I am doing.
I'm one smart Frenchmen never been to school
Although I never had formal education, I am intelligent.
You want to get some-where in a Creole town
If you want to succeed in a Creole community,
To Start let me show you, your way to town
Let me suggest how to get around.
You let the Bon Ton Roula, you let the mule-a bool-a
If you want to fit in, you must dance the Bon Ton Roula and follow customs.
Now don't you be no fool-a, you let the Bon Ton Roula
Don't be foolish, participate in the dance and fit in.
I got a Creole gal, she's one fine dish
I have a lovely Creole lady by my side.
But she's got ways like the old craw-fish
Although she has some quirky habits like craw-fish.
She don't know nothing, but raise sand all night
She may not be knowledgeable, but she can party all night.
But when it come to making love, she's alright
She may be inexperienced elsewhere but good at lovemaking.
If you want to have yourself, some real-fine fun
If you want to enjoy yourself in a unique way,
Go down to Louisiana and get you some
Visit Louisiana and explore its culture and customs.
You'll find her cutting cane all down the line
You may find someone cutting sugar cane along the way.
I got a cotton picker, she's really fine
I have a lovely lady who works in the cotton field.
At the church bazaar or the baseball game
Whether you are at the church bazaar or a baseball game,
At the French tra-la it's all the same
The French cultural influence is evident everywhere, all you have to do is have fun in their style.
If you want-a have fun you got to go
If you want to have fun,
Way out in the country to the zydeco
You have to go to the country and experience the zydeco dance.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Clarence J Garlow, Eddie Shuler
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@holyspacemonkey
This was recorded at my grandfather Bill Holford’s studio in Houston in 1949! 🥳
@hilmarwensorra1215
In very loving memory of Mr. Clarence Joseph Garlow (1911 - 1986 R.I.P. // gone but NOT forgotten).
@cesarmelchor30
I'm a music collector. I buy random CDs of artists I've never heard and find great music. This artist I discovered on a magazine called The Oxford American every issue comes with a CD. This one was music from Louisiana. Thanks for posting. Great song.
@FenderJazzStudent
Thanks for uploading this! I just found out about Garlow from listening to a Johnny Winter interview! There's that Beaumont, TX connection. :-)
@statuescher
Clarence Garlow was an American R&B, jump blues, Texas blues and cajun guitarist, singer and songwriter. He is best known for his recording of the song "Bon Ton Roula", which was a hit single on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart in 1950.
@cynthiasimien2794
Creole! Cajun is different. The song lyrics reflect his culture and heritage. It's prolly one of the first times the word Creole was heard in a popular song, Same with zydeco.
@chrisrj9871
My first time listening to this song... Pretty dang dope!
@bluenote824jones7
Nothing like Louisiana music
@RobertoGinsburg
A zydeco/ R& B blend from 1950 , a proto-funk classic also.
@QueenBthatsMe777
Go head on, Uncle "Pookie"( rip Clarence Garlow... I know you and Aunt Lou ( rip Lorena Garlow) are smiling down! Lezzez Les bon ton roulette! Aye-eeeee