Ida Red
Jody Nix Huey Lewis Willie Nelson Ray Benson Lyrics
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Clock on the mantle says it gettin' too late
Curtains in the window, snowy white
[Incomprehensible] on Sunday night
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
There's a pretty sofa and that ain't all
If I'm not mistaken I sure am right
Somebody else in the parlor tonight
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
Chicken in a bread pan pickin' out dough
Granny, does your dog bite? No, child no
Hurry up boys now, don't you be slow
Y'all in a girdle like you was awhile ago
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
My old mistress promised me
That when she died she'd set me free
But she lived so long that her head got bald
Took the the notion not to die at all
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
Lights grow dim, fire's gettin' low
Somebody said it's time to go
I hear a whisper, gentle and light
Don't forget to come back Saturday night
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
The song "Ida Red" tells the story of a man who is likely in love with a woman named Ida Red. The lyrics describe a scene of a cozy parlor with a fire burning in the grate, lovely curtains on the window, and a clock ticking away the night. However, the mood changes when the singer realizes that someone else is in the room with Ida Red. Later in the song, the singer mentions that his former mistress promised to set him free when she died, but didn't fulfill that promise. The lyrics suggest a sense of longing and heartache, as the singer is unable to be with the woman he loves.
The lyrics are stripped down and simple, but they evoke a mood that is both nostalgic and melancholy. The repetition of the phrase "I'm plum fool about Ida Red" reinforces the idea that the singer is deeply in love with this woman. The inclusion of the fiddle and other traditional country instruments adds to the sense of nostalgia and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
Light in the parlor, fire in the grate
There is a warm and welcoming fire in the fireplace, creating a comfortable atmosphere in the parlor.
Clock on the mantle says it gettin' too late
The mantle clock is indicating that it is becoming late in the evening.
Curtains in the window, snowy white
The curtains on the window are bright white and giving an appearance of cleanliness.
[Incomprehensible] on Sunday night
The singer refers to a joyful gathering that typically occurs on Sunday nights, but the specifics are unclear.
Ida Red, Ida Red, I'm plum fool about Ida Red
The artist is completely smitten with a woman named Ida Red.
Lamp on the table, picture on the wall
There is a lamp placed on the table, and a picture is hanging on the wall.
There's a pretty sofa and that ain't all
The sofa in the room is also quite attractive and adds to the pleasantness of the space.
If I'm not mistaken I sure am right
The artist is completely confident in what they are seeing and experiencing in the parlor.
Somebody else in the parlor tonight
Someone else is present in the room besides the singer and Ida Red.
Chicken in a bread pan pickin' out dough
Potentially nonsensical phrase that refers to a person playing a fiddle.
Granny, does your dog bite? No, child no
A playful exchange between a child and a grandmother regarding a dog that does not bite.
Hurry up boys now, don't you be slow
The artist is urging some boys to hurry up and be faster in whatever they are currently doing.
Y'all in a girdle like you was awhile ago
Potentially nonsensical phrase that refers to people wearing attire that was fashionable in the past.
My old mistress promised me
The singer refers to a former slave owner who made them a promise.
That when she died she'd set me free
The promise made was that, upon the owner's death, the singer would be granted their freedom.
But she lived so long that her head got bald
The former owner did not die for a very long time and aged considerably.
Took the the notion not to die at all
The owner ultimately never died, possibly reneging on their promise to the artist.
Lights grow dim, fire's gettin' low
The time spent in the parlor is coming to a close, as the lights are dimming and the fire in the fireplace is dwindling.
Somebody said it's time to go
Another person in the room has indicated that it is time to leave.
I hear a whisper, gentle and light
The artist hears a soft and delicate whisper, perhaps from Ida Red or another person in the room.
Don't forget to come back Saturday night
The artist is invited to return to the parlor on Saturday evening for another gathering, likely with Ida Red present.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS POWELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Angie Veri
Another sensational band mix of country icons playing this old Bob Wills song - Ida Red. Gotta love it!