Magnolia
Lee Fields & The Expressions Lyrics


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Whippoorwill's singing
Soft summer breeze
Makes me think of my baby
I left down in New Orleans
I left down in New Orleans

Magnolia, you sweet thing
You're driving me mad
Got to get back to you, baby
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had

You whisper, "Good morning"
So gently in my ear
I'm coming home to you, baby yeah
I'll soon be there
I'll soon be there

Magnolia, you sweet thing
You're driving me mad
Got to get back to you, babe
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had





You're the best I ever had
You're the best I ever had

Overall Meaning

The song "Magnolia" by Lee Fields & The Expressions is an ode to a lover left behind in New Orleans. The lyrics describe the singer's longing for his baby and his desire to be reunited with her. The whippoorwill's singing and soft summer breeze evoke memories of his lover and the sweetness of their relationship. The repetition of the line "Magnolia, you sweet thing" shows the singer's affection for his lover and how much she means to him. He describes how she drives him mad, but in a positive way, highlighting the intense love and passion he has for her. The song ends with the promise of a soon-to-be return to his lover and the recognition that she is the best he ever had.


Overall, the song captures the bittersweet feeling of missing someone you love but also the joy and excitement of being reunited with them. The use of natural imagery, such as the whippoorwill and the summer breeze, adds to the romantic and nostalgic tone of the song.


Line by Line Meaning

Whippoorwill's singing
The sound of the whippoorwill bird's singing is being heard


Soft summer breeze
There is a gentle, pleasant breeze coming through


Makes me think of my baby
These sights and sounds remind the singer of a lover whom they miss


I left down in New Orleans
The lover was left behind in the southern city of New Orleans


Magnolia, you sweet thing
The singer is addressing a person or the magnolia flower in a flattering way


You're driving me mad
The singer is overcome with emotion and longing


Got to get back to you, baby
The singer feels a strong desire to return to their love interest


You're the best I ever had
The singer has had previous lovers, but believes the addressed person is the most special


You whisper, "Good morning"
The addressed person speaks in a kind, loving tone


So gently in my ear
The word or phrase is said softly and lovingly


I'm coming home to you, baby yeah
The singer is headed back to be with their love interest


I'll soon be there
The singer will arrive back to their lover's side shortly


You're the best I ever had
Restating the idea that the addressed person is the most special of all past love interests


You're the best I ever had
The chorus repeats the line which states the addressed person is the best lover the singer has ever had




Contributed by Wyatt S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Ant InPant

So beautiful. Cannot stop listening!! The best I ever had.

DJ ScottyScott

Lee Fields is a living legend. What a voice and what a great song. Soul music is alive and well thanks to artists like Lee Fields. Hope to witness the legend live one day.

Manuel Esquivel

original by J.J. Cale....and Mr. Fields does such an amazing job with it!!! Love it!!!

Alex Galvez

Check out the Eric Clapton John mayor version 👍🏽

JO 7Z

Thanks dude, i dont know it. I'll go listen his version, but before, I finish to listen this beautiful version :)

Megadondada

You can literally feel the soul oozing out.

joan is online

This is one of the best artist I know. LEGEND, great voice, great band, great everything!

Rolando Renteria

Very soulful...perfect song.

Lee Alexander Woodward

Has to be the sound of summer 2014, smooth and laid back, how it should be, well done sir

pincmin

Wow. Exquisite singer, love the band, and is that a slap-steel guitar at the end?

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