Jambalaya
Harry Connick Jr. Lyrics
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Me gotta go, pole the pirogue down the bayou.
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file* gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo,
Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin',
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen.
Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo,
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Settle down far from town, get me a pirogue
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou.
Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo,
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
The lyrics of Harry Connick Jr.'s song "Jambalaya" depict a joyous and carefree lifestyle in the bayou region of Louisiana. The singer, bidding farewell to his friend Joe, embarks on a journey down the bayou with his beloved Yvonne. The mention of the "pirogue," a type of canoe used in Louisiana for fishing and transportation, sets the tone for the rest of the song as the singer describes the joyous activities that he and Yvonne will engage in. The singer intends to have a feast with his lover, indulging in delightful dishes such as Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and gumbo while listening to music and dancing to the rhythm of his guitar playing. He imagines a scene of celebration, with relatives and friends coming from all around to gather and enjoy themselves. He promises his lover to provide her with everything she needs, exchanging his money (mon) for anything that she requires. The lyrics portray a lifestyle of celebration, close community, and love, which are core values of Louisiana's culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh.
Farewell Joe, I have to leave. Alas!
Me gotta go, pole the pirogue down the bayou.
I have to travel the waterway, so I will paddle my pirogue.
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh.
Yvonne, my most beloved, the sweetest of all.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
This will be a great adventure!
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and file* gumbo
We will be enjoying the delicious local cuisine such as Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and file gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio.
Tonight I will meet my dear friend and loved one.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo,
Play guitar, drink fruity beverages, and have a great time!
Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin',
The towns of Thibodaux and Fontaineaux are full of excitement!
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen.
Yvonne has many relatives and they come to visit her in large numbers.
Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh.
Wear fashionable clothes and have the time of your life!
Settle down far from town, get me a pirogue
To live a peaceful life away from the bustle of town, I will acquire a pirogue.
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou.
I'll spend my days fishing in the bayou.
Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o.
I'll sacrifice my money to purchase what Yvonne requires.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou.
What an enjoyable experience we'll have on the bayou!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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