Magnolia
Eric Clapton & John Mayer Lyrics


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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




You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Magnolia" by Eric Clapton feat. John Mayer evoke nostalgia and longing, as the singer reflects on a soft summer breeze and the song of the whippoorwill, both of which remind him of the woman he left behind in New Orleans. The reference to the magnolia is a metaphor for this woman, suggesting that she is delicate, sweet and intoxicating. The singer expresses his desire to return to her, describing her as the "best I ever had." The song generates an atmosphere of yearning, with the soft vocals and gentle guitar accompaniment transporting the listener to lazy summer days and the lost love of youth.


The lyrics also suggest a sense of regret, as the singer remembers the woman he left behind and realizes that she was the best thing that ever happened to him. The line, "You're driving me mad" illustrates his intense desire to return to her and the urgency of his need. The repetition of the chorus further emphasizes his longing for this woman and the obsession he feels with her.


Line by Line Meaning

Whippoorwill's singing
The sound of the whippoorwill reminds me of nature and brings back memories


Soft summer breeze
The gentle wind of the summer season gives me a sense of peace and freedom


Makes me think of my baby
The memories of my loved one come flooding back to me with these surroundings


I left down in New Orleans
I miss my baby and I am far away from her in New Orleans


Magnolia, you sweet thing
I yearn for you, my love, because magnolias are associated with love and purity


You're driving me mad
Your absence is making me yearn for you, and I'm slowly going crazy


Got to get back to you, babe
I am determined to overcome this distance between us and be reunited with you


You're the best I ever had
You are the most significant and perfect person I have ever been with


You whisper, "Good morning"
Even your gentle whisper of "Good morning" brings me joy and hope for the future


So gently in my ear
The sweetness of your voice and your touch fills me with affection and longing


I'm coming home to you, babe
I'm on my way back to you, my love, as soon as possible


I'll soon be there
I'll be reunited with you soon, and our love will continue to grow


You're the best I ever had
You are the most significant and perfect person I have ever been with


You're the best I ever had
You are the most significant and perfect person I have ever been with


You're the best I ever had
You are the most significant and perfect person I have ever been with


You're the best I ever had
You are the most significant and perfect person I have ever been with


You're the best I ever had
You are the most significant and perfect person I have ever been with




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John J Cale

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@alexpowell1556

‘His facility is phenomenal’ thats got to be the highest praise one guitarist can give to another, especially coming from Clapton...

@royelmo38

Mayer is a master of melody. He keeps a lightness to his playing that makes it almost surreal.

@gregchrest302

Our wedding song for Feb 8, 2020 in New Orleans

@aaj8549

Eyy congratulations!

@RhodaOmenyaNyako

How did the wedding go?

@harishchandani1101

If you happened to marry amidst this lockdown ?

@markyeeee

Congratulations!! Sweet song...wishing many years of happiness

@francescafalchi9803

Congratulazioni 💗

11 More Replies...

@andrewdeetz7463

John Mayer laid it down on this one. Actual perfection

@joshuaanderson743

I’m only here because Eric Clapton said so

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