Born in Moorhead, Mississippi, he moved with his family at age 11 to Fresno, California, where he began writing songs and entering talent contests while still in high school, graduating in 1958. He had his first song published that year, In a Mansion Stands My Love, which was recorded by Jim Reeves as the "B" side of his 1960 hit He'll Have to Go.
His recording of his song Rednecks, White Socks, and Blue Ribbon Beer was his only top 10 hit, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart in October 1973. The song was nominated later that year for a Grammy Award. Russell is also known for hits such as The Baptism of Jesse Taylor, Catfish John, and Hello, I Love You.
He is also known for being the first one to record He Stopped Loving Her Today, in some surveys named as the greatest country song of all time and the biggest hit for George Jones in 1980, but his label refused to release it. Years later, George Strait topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart with Russell's song Let's Fall to Pieces Together. In 1987, Russell hosted his first annual concert in Moorhead, MS at the MS Delta Community College Coliseum. These went on for 13 years, his final on April 29, 2000.
By 2001, Russell's health had been in a state of decline (for years, he had used his obesity as a running joke on the Grand Ole Opry), and in April 2001, both of his legs were amputated because of diabetes. Russell died in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 61 from diabetes-related complications.
Jambalaya
Johnny Russell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
My Yvonne, sweetest one, me-oh-my-oh
Son of a gun, we're gonna have big fun on the bayou
Well Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm a-gonna see my machez amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Thibodeaux, Fontainbleau, the place is a-buzzin'
Kinfolk come see Yvonne by the dozen
They dress in style, they go hog wild, me-oh-my-oh
Son of a gun, we're gonna have big fun on the bayou
Well Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm a-gonna see my machez amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of a gun, we're gonna have big fun on the bayou
Well Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my machez amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of a gun, we're gonna have big fun on the bayou
The song "Jambalaya" by Johnny Russell captures the essence of a lively night of fun and celebration in the bayou of Louisiana. The singer, bidding goodbye to Joe, sets out to pole his pirogue down the bayou to meet his beloved Yvonne. As they reunite, the singer sings praises of Yvonne, the "sweetest one," and declares that they will have a great time together. The description of the bayou being the place for the biggest fun sets the upbeat tone of the song.
The chorus is the most memorable part of the lyrics, with the repetition of the phrase "Jambalaya, crawfish pie, file gumbo." Jambalaya is a Cajun dish made with rice, sausage, shrimp, chicken, and spices while crawfish pie and file gumbo are other popular dishes in Louisiana. The mention of these dishes adds to the festive atmosphere of the song, emphasizing that they will have good food and music. The singer plans to "pick guitar, fill fruit jar, and be gay-oh," and will have "big fun on the bayou."
The lyrics also mention the names of Thibodeaux and Fontainbleau, which are places known for their lively nightlife and entertainment in Louisiana, further emphasizing the jovial mood of the song. In essence, "Jambalaya" is one of the most beloved songs to come from Louisiana, and captures the spirit of the rich and lively culture of the state.
Line by Line Meaning
Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me-oh-my-oh
I must bid farewell, Joe, as I have to leave now.
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
I must take the pirogue down the bayou by poling it.
My Yvonne, sweetest one, me-oh-my-oh
Yvonne, my sweetheart, is the sweetest of all.
Son of a gun, we're gonna have big fun on the bayou
We're going to have a lot of fun on the bayou, you bet!
Well Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo
Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo.
'Cause tonight I'm a-gonna see my machez amio
Tonight I'm going to see my friend.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
I'm going to pick the guitar, fill the fruit jar, and have a great time.
Thibodeaux, Fontainbleau, the place is a-buzzin'
The place is alive with excitement, Thibodeaux and Fontainbleau.
Kinfolk come see Yvonne by the dozen
Yvonne's relatives come to see her in large numbers.
They dress in style, they go hog wild, me-oh-my-oh
They dress nicely and go crazy with excitement.
Well Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo
Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo.
'Cause tonight I'm a-gonna see my machez amio
Tonight I'm going to see my friend.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
I'm going to pick the guitar, fill the fruit jar, and have a great time.
Well Jambalaya, crawfish pie, filé gumbo
Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo.
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my machez amio
Tonight I'm going to see my friend.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
I'm going to pick the guitar, fill the fruit jar, and have a great time.
Son of a gun, we're gonna have big fun on the bayou
We're going to have a lot of fun on the bayou, you bet!
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind