Jack of Diamonds
Connie Dover Lyrics
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You have robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
Tis raining, 'tis hailing, 'tis a dark stormy night
And my horses cannot travel for the moon gives no light
My horses cannot travel for the moon gives no light
Go put up your horses and feed them some hay
Then sit down beside me till the light of the day
So fair thee well, darlin', I'll be on my way
So fair thee well, darlin', I'll be on my way
I'll build me a cabin on the mountain so high
Where the wild geese can see me as they pass me by
As sure as the dewdrop grows on the green corn
Last night you were with me but today you are gone
Last night you were with me but today you are gone
Jack of diamonds, Jack of diamonds, I know you of old
You have robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, I wish you no harm
But I wish I had a bottle as long as my arm
I wish I had a bottle as long as my arm
The song "Jack of Diamonds" is a traditional American folk song that has been performed in many different versions over the past century. Connie Dover's interpretation of the song is haunting and melancholic, with a slow and mournful melody that matches the bitter and regretful lyrics.
The singer of the song is addressing the "Jack of Diamonds," a character who has apparently robbed the singer of his valuable possessions. The first stanza sets the scene for the encounter between the two, with the singer noting that it is a dark and stormy night and that his horses cannot travel due to the lack of light from the moon. The second stanza has the singer inviting the Jack of Diamonds to take a seat and wait out the storm together, but the Jack of Diamonds declines and prepares to leave. The third stanza finds the singer singing about his plans to retire to a remote cabin in the mountains, where he hopes to be left alone by those who might rob him. The final stanza has the singer lamenting his lack of whiskey, and wishing for a large bottle to drown his sorrows.
The song can be interpreted in many different ways, but it seems to be a commentary on the futility of material possessions and the inevitability of loss and separation. The singer has been robbed of his wealth by the Jack of Diamonds and is resigned to his fate, preferring to retreat to a solitary life in the wilderness rather than risk further loss. The final stanza, with its mention of whiskey and desire for numbing the pain of loss, suggests a sense of despair and disillusionment.
Line by Line Meaning
Jack of diamonds, Jack of diamonds, I know you of old
I have known you, the notorious gambler, for a long time and I am fully aware of your habit of stealing my precious belongings.
You've robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
As usual, you have taken away all the riches I possessed which makes me feel poor.
Tis raining, 'tis hailing, 'tis a dark stormy night
The weather conditions are terrible and we are in the midst of a fierce thunderstorm with no moonlight to guide our way.
And my horses cannot travel for the moon gives no light
My horses are unable to travel due to the dangerously dark and dismal atmosphere of the night.
Go put up your horses and feed them some hay
Take your horses and put them in a stable and feed them some hay to make sure they are comfortable.
Then sit down beside me till the light of the day
Afterwards, sit down beside me and wait for the morning light to arrive.
My horses ain't hungry, they won't eat your hay
My horses are not hungry at present and will not consume your offering of hay.
So fair thee well, darlin', I'll be on my way
Goodbye my dear, I must leave now.
I'll build me a cabin on the mountain so high
I plan to build a cabin on the top of a high mountain which will be visible to the wild geese flying overhead.
Where the wild geese can see me as they pass me by
I want the wild geese to see me when they fly by as a way of asserting my presence in the world.
As sure as the dewdrop grows on the green corn
Just as sure as the dewdrop forms on the green corn, things in life are transient and people can quickly change, as evidenced by your sudden departure from my side.
Last night you were with me but today you are gone
You were by my side last night but today you have left me alone, showing me the fickleness of human emotions.
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, I wish you no harm
Rye whiskey, I have no ill will or hostility towards you.
But I wish I had a bottle as long as my arm
However, I do wish I had a bottle of rye whiskey that I could drink from at my leisure, to ease my mind and bring comfort to my heart.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: THOMAS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind