Jambalaya
Johnny Cash & Jerry Lee Lewis Lyrics


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Good-bye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

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

Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

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

Settle down far from town, get me a pirogue
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou
Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio




Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis's song "Jambalaya" are about leaving town with the sweetest girl, Yvonne, and having a good time down the bayou. The song begins with a farewell to Joe and the desire to pole the pirogue down the bayou with Yvonne. The chorus mentions the classic Louisiana Creole dishes of jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo that will be enjoyed during the festivities. The mood of the lyrics is one of joyful anticipation and excitement for the good times ahead.


The second verse describes the buzz around the town of Thibodaux and the influx of kinfolk who have come to see Yvonne. The line, "Dress in style and go hog wild," paints a vivid picture of the enthusiastic party-goers. The final verse mentions settling down near the bayou and catching fish, and the willingness to swap money to buy what Yvonne needs. Overall, the lyrics to "Jambalaya" tell the story of a fun-filled Louisiana celebration centered around good food, good music, and good times with loved ones.


Line by Line Meaning

Good-bye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh
Hello, Joe, I must depart from you, my goodness


Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
I have to push the boat down the river


My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh
My Yvonne, she is the sweetest of them all


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
We will have a great time on the river


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


'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Because tonight I will see my dear friend


Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Play guitar, fill up the bottle and be merry


Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the towns are buzzing


Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Relatives come to visit Yvonne in large numbers


Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh
Dress nicely and have a wild time


Settle down far from town, get me a pirogue
Settle down far away from the cities, get a boat


And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou
I will catch all the fish in the river


Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Trade my money to buy what Yvonne needs


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
We will have a great time on the river




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@Tom-mo2dr

The Rock Gods were in their glories that night , God bless these icons , their music will never die .

@Davewise1965

I am 58 years old and I love this so much. Fats, Jerry, and Ray three music legends playing those pianos. This is what real music sounds like.

@crediki100

Yup

@brainfreeze9653

What a party !!! No black/ no white / just living in the moment with total appreciation and respect for everyone’s common goal.

@franzszeili6133

Great song, great Performance... brings chills❤

@nataschahiermann7559

That times will never come back..., lucky ones who had the possibility to hear that great musicians live!!!

@TheOriginalRick

I am shocked that the earth didn't collapse under them with the combined weight of such talent together on the stage.

@Ryan-hi6zg

One of my favorite songs ever, this video shows why

@JanetOlson-cf3xx

I agree! I love Fats Domino! I have since a teenager and I am 80yrs. Old right now! Blueberry Hill, I want to Walk You Home! 💕🎼🎵🎶💕

@mariececilelassere

What say more unforgettable ’jamais session’Heard and see that is all to make and be in love with they géants !!! Thanks Mr FURHMANN for posting this merveille...👍👍👍(2023/03/14) from old woman parisienne ❤️

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