His songs have been performed by a number of other musicians including "After Midnight" and "Cocaine" by Eric Clapton, "Bringing It Back" by Kansas, "Call Me the Breeze" and "I Got the Same Old Blues" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Travelin' Light" and "Ride Me High" by Widespread Panic.
Cale was born on December 5, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Some sources incorrectly give his real name as "Jean Jacques Cale". A Sunset Strip nightclub owner employing Cale in the mid-1960s came up with the "JJ" moniker to avoid confusion with the Velvet Underground's John Cale[citation needed]. In the 2006 documentary, To Tulsa and Back: On Tour with J.J. Cale, Rocky Frisco tells the same version of the story mentioning the other John Cale but without further detail.
Magnolia
JJ Cale Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 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
The lyrics of JJ Cale's song "Magnolia" depict a longing for a woman left behind in New Orleans. The whippoorwill's singing and the soft summer breeze serve as a reminder of her, and the singer is driven "mad" by thoughts of her. The repetitive use of "Magnolia, you sweet thing" emphasizes her allure and his desire to return to her. Interestingly, the Magnolia flower is often used as a symbol of love and beauty in literature and culture.
The singer also describes the intimacy he shares with his lover, as she whispers "Good morning" gently in his ear. He is determined to return to her and reunite with her. Despite the simplicity of the lyrics, JJ Cale's vocals and guitar work convey a sense of yearning and passion.
Overall, "Magnolia" is a classic love song that captures the essence of the blues genre. Its simple lyrics and catchy melody evoke a strong emotional response, making it a timeless piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Whippoorwill's singing
The sound of a whippoorwill singing in the peaceful night evokes a sense of tranquility and calmness.
Soft summer breeze
The gentle summer wind is refreshing and brings comfort to the mind.
Makes me think of my baby
These natural elements remind the singer of the person he loves deeply.
I left down in New Orleans
He has been separated from his lover and they are physically far apart.
Magnolia, you sweet thing
The name of a flower, magnolia, is used as a tender term of endearment for his lover.
You're driving me mad
He is deeply in love with his partner and cannot wait to be reunited, to the point of feeling crazy.
Got to get back to you, babe
He is eager to go back to his partner's side as soon as possible.
You're the best I ever had
His lover is the most important person in his life and he cherishes every moment shared with them.
You whisper "Good morning"
A sweet and caring gesture of saying good morning between two people in love evokes tenderness.
So gently in my ear
The whispers and intimate tones of his lover's voice makes him feel even closer to them.
I'm coming home to you, babe
He is determined to make the journey home and return to the arms of his beloved as soon as he can.
I'll soon be there
He assures his lover that his return is imminent and he will soon be with them.
Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: JOHN J CALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@smokinjz
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
@camig5632
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
@smokinjz
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
@RocketmanVT1
"Magnolia" was my first wife's absolute-favorite song; she'd play it at home, after a hard day on the flight line - we were both U.S. Air Force, she was the crew chief on an F-4 Phantom, I was radar...She was killed in a single-car accident in the Philippines (my fault - I was driving) one day short of our 15-month anniversary. I had the song played at her funeral (in the US) and wept like a baby.
Forty years, 7 months and 3 days later, I can't listen to this song without struggling to keep from blubbering.
Requiescat in pace, Mr. JJ Cale, and thank you for the comfort your music brought to Linda - and for the times we danced to your songs.
@judemcdonough7867
Stuart Lear wow. my condolences, gone too soon
@anndreno
What a story brother. God bless you
@darrenmills3943
I'm so sorry, brother. I hope you find some peace in comfort in whatever way you can.
@differentdrummer6162
Sorry for your loss brother - thanks for sharing this story.
@rockinhorse561
one of the best album releases.. along with 5 and Okie... fly on brother
@cheyennelowe5109
My dad played drums on this song once at a live show! He was perfect!
@Dom-pj9ft
Where he
@brennerholloman8379
Awesome! 💖
@akifulltv9127
who asked