Lynn was born in Butcher Hollow, Van Lear, Kentucky in 1932. According to Songfacts, Loretta Lynn's superstar Country career started in 1960 when she recorded " I'm a Honky Tonk Girl " as her debut single. The song was a minor hit, climbing to #14 on Billboard's C&W Chart. By the late 1960s she had begun picking up various Female Vocalist of the Year trophies and in 1972 the singer became the first woman in history to win the Country Music Association's Entertainer of the Year trophy. Lynn dominated the Country charts throughout the rest of the decade and has continued to record hit records through the ensuing years. Her 50th anniversary year began with the award of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement on January 31, 2010.
Lynn released over 70 albums. She is the sister of country singer Crystal Gayle (born in Paintsville, Kentucky) and Peggy Sue, and is a cousin of Patty Loveless. Her father was a coal miner in Van Lear. Her biography was made into the 1980 film, Coal Miner's Daughter.
Black Jack David
Loretta Lynn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And he sang so loud and gaily
Made the hills around him ring
And he charmed the heart of a lady
"How old are you my pretty little miss
How old are you my honey?"
She answered him with a silly little smile
"Come go with me my pretty little miss
Come go with me my honey
I'll take you across the deep blue sea
Where you never shall want for money"
She pulled off her high-heeled shoes
They were made of Spanish leather
She put on those low-heeled shoes
And they both rode off together
"Last night I lay on a warm feather bed
Beside my husband and baby
Tonight I lay on the cold, cold ground
By the side of Black Jack David"
In Loretta Lynn's "Black Jack David," the singer tells the story of a mysterious, charismatic man who gallops through the woods, singing joyfully and attracting the attention of a young woman. He asks the girl how old she is, and she shyly responds that she'll be sixteen soon. Black Jack David then invites her to go with him, promising to take her to a place where she'll never want for money. The girl eagerly agrees, shedding her high-heeled shoes and donning practical flats. The two ride off together, but their joyous adventure soon takes a dark turn. The girl abandons her comfortable life as a wife and mother to be with Black Jack David, later sleeping on the cold ground beside him. The song explores themes of youthful naivete, the thrill of the unknown, and the high price of abandoning safety for adventure.
One interesting fact about "Black Jack David" is that it's based on a traditional folk song that dates back to at least the early 19th century. The song was later covered by a variety of musicians, including Woody Guthrie, Odetta, and Roscoe Holcomb. Another fascinating aspect of the song is its gender dynamics, with Black Jack David appearing as both a charming seducer and a dangerous figure who leads the innocent girl astray. Finally, the song's themes of forbidden love and youthful rebellion have made it a popular choice for artists covering it in the country and folk genres, with notable versions by The Carter Family, The Kingston Trio, and Natalie Merchant.
Chords: G C G D G
Line by Line Meaning
Black Jack David came riding through the woods
Black Jack David arrived through the woods.
And he sang so loud and gaily
He sang happily and loudly.
Made the hills around him ring
His singing echoed through the hills.
And he charmed the heart of a lady
He won the affection of a woman.
"How old are you my pretty little miss
Black Jack David asked the woman's age.
How old are you my honey?"
He asked her in a sweet, endearing manner.
She answered him with a silly little smile
She responded with a foolish grin.
"I'll be sixteen next Sunday"
She revealed that she would turn sixteen the following Sunday.
"Come go with me my pretty little miss
Black Jack David invited her to come along.
Come go with me my honey
He asked her to go with him in a loving way.
I'll take you across the deep blue sea
He promised to take her on a journey across the ocean.
Where you never shall want for money"
He assured her that she would never be in financial need.
She pulled off her high-heeled shoes
She removed her high heels.
They were made of Spanish leather
Her shoes were crafted from leather of Spanish origin.
She put on those low-heeled shoes
She put on low-heeled shoes instead.
And they both rode off together
The two of them left together.
"Last night I lay on a warm feather bed
The woman recounted her recent sleeping accommodations.
Beside my husband and baby
She slept with her spouse and infant child.
Tonight I lay on the cold, cold ground
She was now lying on the frigid ground.
By the side of Black Jack David"
Black Jack David was lying next to her.
Writer(s): A. P. Carter
Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kathy Dalton
Love to hear you Loretta. Love this💝💝
Joyce Foltz
My Great Grandma would sing this song.
Sahir Adiong
I love you Loretta Lynn. From far Philippines ❤