Jambalaya
John Fogerty Lyrics


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Goodbye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh.
Me gotta go, pole the pirogue down the bayou.
My Yvonne, sweetest one, me oh my oh.
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou.

[Chorus]
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo,
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou.

Thibodeaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin',
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen.
Dress in style, go hog wild, and be gayo.
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou.

[Chorus]

Oh, guitar!

[Chorus]

Oh, Lord!
Hang tight, ooh Lord!




Ah, take it out.
He's comin', ah!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to John Fogerty's song, Jambalaya, describe the excitement one feels when going to a party on the Bayou, a tributary in Louisiana. The singer says goodbye to Joe, as he must go and pole the pirogue (a small boat) down the bayou. He is going to see his Yvonne, and he expresses how sweet and special she is to him, all the while using the rhythm and rhyme of the song to create a playful and fun atmosphere. The chorus mentions the traditional Louisiana dishes that will be served at the party, including jambalaya, crawfish pie, and fillet gumbo. The singer then describes how he plans to pick his guitar, fill his fruit jar, and be gayo (have fun) at the party, emphasizing the joy and happiness that will be shared by all. The final lines express the anticipation of the singer for the fun that awaits, asking the Lord to "hang tight" and signaling the start of a lively instrumental.


Line by Line Meaning

Goodbye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh.
I have to say goodbye to Joe and leave, oh my!


Me gotta go, pole the pirogue down the bayou.
I need to go down the bayou by poling my boat.


My Yvonne, sweetest one, me oh my oh.
My Yvonne, the sweetest person to me, oh my!


Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou.
I'm going to have a lot of fun on the bayou, darn it!


Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
I want Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and fillet gumbo


'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio.
Tonight, I will see my dear friend.


Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo,
I will play my guitar, fill up a fruit jar and celebrate.


Thibodeaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin',
Thibodeaux and Fontaineaux - the place is lively!


Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen.
Family comes to see Yvonne in large groups.


Dress in style, go hog wild, and be gayo.
Dress up and enjoy the time like crazy!


Oh, guitar!
Oh, guitar!


Oh, Lord!
Oh, Lord!


Hang tight, ooh Lord!
Hold on tight, oh Lord!


Ah, take it out.
Ah, take it out.


He's comin', ah!
He's coming, ah!




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@MrDjmaf

Goodbye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh
Me gotta go, pole the pirogue down the bayou
My Yvonne, sweetest one, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou


Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou


Well Thibodeaux, fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see yvonne by the dozen
Dress in style, go hog wild and be gayo
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou


Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou,


oh, guitar


Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gayo
Son of a gun, gonna have big fun on the bayou


Oh, Lord, hang tight, ooh Lord
Ah, take it out, here comes, ah



All comments from YouTube:

@ramirocruz8265

Anyone who likes this song is consider a friend of mine. Blessings from LA 🙏🙏🙏

@edwardpootchemunka2061

I love this song Mr John Fogerty and the Blue Ridge Rangers Greetings from Australia Down Under

@Pattiepies55

G'day and blessings from Australia x

@ramirocruz8265

@@Pattiepies55 Thanks for your kind words. A big hug all the way to Down Under.🤝🤗🙏🙏🙏

@rayfoote7705

Deadly.

@ramirocruz8265

@@rayfoote7705 Amen to that. Blessings from LA California 🤝🙏🙏🙏

9 More Replies...

@jfuzz9083

Mr. Fogerty wrote so many classic songs that it is often overlooked how spectacular he was at covering other peoples songs!  Jambalaya is just one great example ... he could do a concert of his covers alone and blow the crowd away.

@irenesworkoutmusic4592

He is the best musician and singer you don't that kind of talent these days 😊

@user-yo9ij3bm8h

Hermosa musica si la habre bailado Nene

@edgeriderrocks8997

I love the original sang and written by Hank Williams. I'm a huge Hank fan also a huge fan of John. John knocks this one out of the park. I think Hank would be proud.

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