Jam
Dave Brubeck & B.B. King Lyrics

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Pieces of toast
Raspberry jam
Laid out on the breakfast table
It's time to begin again

Way down in the valley
Where the rivers flow
Lives a girl named Sally

Who loves to watch things grow

Pieces of toast
Raspberry jam
Laid out on the breakfast table
It's time to begin again

Now Sally has five children
And a good old man
And they all sit down together
For their toast and their raspberry jam

Oh, how they have
Pieces of toast, raspberry jam

Laid out on the breakfast table
It's time to begin again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Dave Brubeck and B.B. King's song "Jam" tell the story of a simple yet happy breakfast with a family. The first verse describes the set-up for breakfast, with pieces of toast and raspberry jam laid out on the table, signaling the beginning of a new day. The second verse shifts focus to a girl named Sally who lives in the valley where rivers flow, and who loves to watch things grow. The mention of Sally implies that the toast and jam scene may be taking place at her house.

The third verse reveals that Sally has a family of her own - 5 children and a good old man - and they all sit down together for breakfast. The family's love for toast and raspberry jam is emphasized by the repetition of the first verse in the final verse. The song captures a moment of domestic bliss, where a family gathers around a simple meal and appreciates each other's company. The reference to Sally's love for watching things grow also suggests a connection to nature and the beauty of the world around us.

Overall, the lyrics to "Jam" celebrate the joy of small pleasures and the importance of family and community. The song paints a picture of a peaceful and happy life, where love and connection are the priorities.

Line by Line Meaning

Pieces of toast
Small slices of bread that have been toasted

Raspberry jam
A sweet fruit spread made from raspberries

Laid out on the breakfast table
Placed on the table where breakfast is typically eaten

It's time to begin again
A new day has started and it's time to begin the day's activities

Way down in the valley
In a location deep in a valley

Where the rivers flow
Where the natural streams of water flow

Lives a girl named Sally
There is a person named Sally who resides in that location

Who loves to watch things grow
Sally enjoys observing the growth of plants and other living things

Now Sally has five children
Sally is a mother to five kids

And a good old man
Sally has a loving and supportive husband

And they all sit down together
The entire family gathers together to eat