Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

Blue Yodel No.11
Jimmie Rodgers Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

T for Texas, T for Tennessee
T for Texas, T for Tennessee
T for Thelma
That gal that made a wreck out of me

O-de-lay-ee-a-lay-ee-o-ly-ee

If you don't want me mama
You sure don't have to stall, Lawd Lawd
If you don't want me mama
You sure don't have to stall
'Cause I can get more women
Than a passenger train can haul

O-de-lay-ee-a-lay-ee-o-ly-ee

I'm gonna buy me a pistol
Just as long as I'm tall, Lawd, Lawd
I'm gonna buy me a pistol
Just as long as I'm tall
I'm gonna shoot poor Thelma
Just to see her jump and fall

O-de-lay-ee-a-lay-ee-o-ly-ee

I'm goin' where the water
Drinks like cherry wine, ding on boys, ding 'em
Lord I'm goin' where the water
Drinks like cherry wine
'Cause the Georgia water
Tastes like turpentine

O-de-lay-ee-a-lay-ee-o-ly-ee

I'm gonna buy me a shotgun
With a great long shiny barrel
I'm gonna buy me a shotgun
With a great long shiny barrel
I'm gonna shoot that rounder
That stole away my gal

O-de-lay-ee-a-lay-ee-o-ly-ee

Rather drink muddy water
Sleep in a hollow log
Rather drink muddy water
And sleep in a hollow log
Than to be in Atlanta
Treated like a dirty dog

O-de-lay-ee-a-lay-ee-o-ly-ee

Overall Meaning

The song "T For Texas" by Jimmie Rodgers is a classic country-blues tune that showcases the heartache, frustration, and longing for revenge that can come from a tumultuous relationship. The song is divided into several parts, each of which adds to the overall narrative of the song. The opening lines draw attention to the two states in which the singer has had experiences that have affected him deeply: Texas and Tennessee. The repetition of the state names drives home the idea that these places hold a lot of meaning for him. However, he quickly shifts his focus to Thelma, the woman who has caused him so much pain. He refers to her as a "wreck," suggesting that she has taken a toll on him physically and emotionally.


The singer expresses his frustration with Thelma in several ways throughout the song. He makes it clear that he doesn't want to be strung along by her; he would rather know where he stands so that he can pursue other women. He also expresses a desire for revenge, stating that he will "shoot poor Thelma just to see her jump and fall." The final lines of the song reveal that the singer has decided to leave the area entirely, seeking refuge in a place where the water is better and he won't be treated poorly. Overall, "T For Texas" is a song that speaks to the complicated emotions that can arise in a tumultuous relationship, and the desire for revenge that can sometimes follow.


Line by Line Meaning

T for Texas, T for Tennessee
Texas and Tennessee are represented by the letter T indicating the singer's love for these states.


T for Thelma
Thelma is the singer's lover, who he thinks of fondly despite the trouble she has caused him.


That gal that made a wreck out of me
Thelma has caused the singer a great deal of pain and trouble, but he still loves her.


If you don't want me mama You sure don't have to stall, Lawd Lawd If you don't want me mama You sure don't have to stall 'Cause I can get more women Than a passenger train can haul
The singer is telling his lover that if she doesn't want him anymore, she doesn't have to delay breaking up with him because he knows he can find other women easily.


I'm gonna buy me a pistol Just as long as I'm tall, Lawd Lawd I'm gonna buy me a pistol Just as long as I'm tall I'm gonna shoot poor Thelma Just to see her jump and fall
The singer is expressing his anger towards Thelma and his desire to harm her by buying a gun and using it against her.


I'm goin' where the water Drinks like cherry wine, ding on boys, ding 'em Lord I'm goin' where the water Drinks like cherry wine 'Cause the Georgia water Tastes like turpentine
The singer is going to a place where the water is pure and enjoyable to drink because he doesn't like the taste of the water in Georgia.


I'm gonna buy me a shotgun With a great long shiny barrel I'm gonna buy me a shotgun With a great long shiny barrel I'm gonna shoot that rounder That stole away my gal
The singer is expressing his intention to purchase a shotgun in order to hurt the person who stole Thelma from him.


Rather drink muddy water Sleep in a hollow log Rather drink muddy water And sleep in a hollow log Than to be in Atlanta Treated like a dirty dog
The singer would prefer to endure difficult circumstances such as drinking dirty water and sleeping in uncomfortable places than to be mistreated in Atlanta.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JIMMIE RODGERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

Pagan Morph

Great to hear Jimmie Rodgers again. He always put the right amount of pathos into his Blue songs. Really appreciated. Many thanks.

More Versions