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Les Reed & Tom Jones Lyrics

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Your breath is sweet
Your eyes are like two jewels in the night
Your back is straight, your hair is smooth
On the pillow where you lie
But I don't sense affection
No gratitude or love
Your loyalty is not for me
But to the stars above

One more cup of coffee for the road
One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
To the valley below

Your daddy he's an outlaw
A wanderer by trade
He'll teach you how to pick and choose
Or how to throw the blade
He oversees his kingdom
So no stranger does intrude
His voice it trembles as he calls out
For another plate of food

One more cup of coffee for the road
One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
To the valley below
To the valley below

Your sister sees the future
Like your mama and yourself
You've never learned to read or write
There's no books upon your shelf
Your pleasure knows no limits
Your voice is like a meadowlark
But your soul is like an ocean
Mysterious and dark

One more cup of coffee for the road
One more cup of coffee 'fore I go

To the valley below
To the valley below

Overall Meaning

The first stanza of the song describes the physical appearance of an individual in great detail, but also the lack of emotion or affection that the singer perceives in them. This suggests that the relationship between the singer and this individual is one in which they are together physically but not emotionally. The second stanza talks about the individual's father, who is described as an outlaw and a wanderer who teaches them survival skills. The father also appears to be protective of his own kingdom, which may be a metaphor for his family or territory. The third stanza mentions the individual's sister, who like their mother and themselves, has the ability to predict the future. The individual is also described as being illiterate, but having a boundless desire for pleasure, with a voice like a meadowlark but a soul that is mysterious and dark.

Overall, the song seems to be about a relationship that is physical but lacks emotional connection between the two individuals. It also references the individual's familial relationships and their background, portraying them as having a certain level of toughness or survival skills, yet also having mystical qualities.

Line by Line Meaning

Your breath is sweet
I appreciate your pleasant breath

Your eyes are like two jewels in the night
Your eyes sparkle in the darkness like precious gems

Your back is straight, your hair is smooth
Your posture is admirable and your hair is silky

On the pillow where you lie
As you lie on your pillow

But I don't sense affection
However, I don't feel any love from you

No gratitude or love
You don't express thankfulness or love

Your loyalty is not for me
Your allegiance is not devoted to me

But to the stars above
Instead, it goes to the heavens

One more cup of coffee for the road
I'll have another cup of coffee before I depart

One more cup of coffee 'fore I go
I need one final cup of coffee before I leave

To the valley below
To the low-lying region beneath us