Kweskin released six albums and two greatest hits compilations on Vanguard Records between 1963-1970; Jim Kweskin's America on Reprise Records in 1971; and four albums on Mountain Railroad Records between 1978-87.
Viola Lee Blues
Jim Kweskin Lyrics
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The judge decreed it, the clerk he wrote it.
Clerk he wrote it down indeed-e
Judge decreed it, clerk he wrote it down
Give you this jail sentence you'll be Nashville bound
Some got six month some got one solid.
Some got six month some got one solid.
But me and my buddies all got lifetime here
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air, Mailed it on the air indeed-e
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air.
You may know by that I've got a friend somewhere
The lyrics to Jim Kweskin's song Viola Lee Blues depict the harsh and unfair conditions of imprisonment faced by the singer and his companions. The first verse refers to the injustice of his sentence, mentioning how the judge decreed it and the clerk wrote it down, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. The second verse reveals that while some of his fellow inmates received lighter sentences, the singer and his friends were sentenced to a lifetime in jail. The final verse offers a glimmer of hope as the singer mentions writing a letter that he sent on the air, indicating that he may have a friend on the outside who he hopes will receive and respond to his message.
The song speaks to larger themes of societal injustice and the negative consequences of mass incarceration. It also touches on the importance of human connection and communication, even in the darkest of situations. The upbeat, ragtime-inspired melody contrasts with the bleak subject matter, creating a sense of irony and tension.
Line by Line Meaning
The judge decreed it, the clerk he wrote it.
The official court order was given by the judge and then recorded by the clerk.
Clerk he wrote it down indeed-e Judge decreed it, clerk he wrote it down
The clerk made sure to accurately record the judge's decree.
Give you this jail sentence you'll be Nashville bound
As a result of the court order, the person will be sent to jail in Nashville.
Some got six month some got one solid.
Different people received different sentence lengths, ranging from six months to one year.
Some got one solid year indeed-e
One year was the longest sentence given to any one person.
But me and my buddies all got lifetime here
The singer and their friends received a life sentence in jail.
I wrote a letter I mailed in the air, Mailed it on the air indeed-e
The singer sent a letter without a specific recipient, hoping that their friend will receive it somehow.
You may know by that I've got a friend somewhere
The artist is hopeful that someone will receive their letter, indicating that they have a friend out in the world.
Contributed by Nathaniel T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.