Reno Blues
Merle Haggard - Willie Nelson Lyrics
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Where romance blooms and fades
A great Philadelphia lawyer
Was in love with a Hollywood maid.
"Come, love, and we will wander
"Down where the lights are bright
"I'll win you a divorce from your husband"And we can get married tonight."
Wild Bill was a gun-totin' cowboy
Ten notches were carved in his gun
An' all the boys around Reno
Left Wild Bill's maiden alone.
One night when he was returning
From ridin' the range in the cold
He dreamed of his Hollywood sweetheart
Her love was as lasting as gold.
As he grew near her window
A shadow he saw on the shade
'Twas the great Philadelphia lawyer
Makin' love to Bill's Hollywood maid.
The night was as still as the desert
And the moon hangin' high overhead
Bill listened a while to the lawyer
He could hear ev'ry word that they said...
"Your hands are so pretty and lovely
"Your form's so rare and divine
"Come go with me to the city
"And leave this wild cowboy behind."
Now back in old Pennsylvania
Among the beautiful pines
There's one less Philadelphia lawyer
In old Philadelphia tonight...
In the song "Reno Blues" by Merle Haggard, the lyrics tell a story about a complicated love triangle that unfolds in Reno, Nevada. The singer is a Philadelphia lawyer who falls in love with a Hollywood maid. He promises to win her a divorce from her husband and proposes they get married that same night. The setting in Reno, known for its vibrant nightlife, adds to the atmosphere of romance and fleeting relationships.
The lyrics introduce another character named Wild Bill, a cowboy with a reputation for being handy with a gun. The people of Reno have a healthy respect for him, and they stay away from Bill's love interest, the Hollywood maid. However, while Bill is away on a cattle drive, he dreams of his beloved Hollywood sweetheart and the everlasting love they share. This highlights the longing and devotion he feels for her.
One fateful night, as Wild Bill returns from his time on the range, he senses something amiss as he nears the window of his Hollywood sweetheart. He sees a shadow on the shade, and to his dismay, discovers that his love interest is being courted by the Philadelphia lawyer. The moonlit desert night adds a sense of quiet tension to the scene, emphasizing the significance of what Bill is about to witness.
While eavesdropping on the conversation between the lawyer and his Hollywood maid, Wild Bill hears the lawyer complimenting her physical beauty and persuading her to leave behind her cowboy lover and go with him to the city. This moment is crucial as it exposes the lawyer's intentions and sets up the final twist in the story.
In the conclusion of the song, the lyrics shift the focus back to Pennsylvania, where the lawyer is originally from. Symbolized by the beautiful pines, the scene portrays a peaceful and serene setting. However, the lyrics suggest that there is now one less Philadelphia lawyer in the city, implying that Wild Bill, who hears of the betrayal, has taken matters into his own hands. The song leaves us with the understanding that the lawyer has met an unfortunate fate, likely at the hands of the betrayed cowboy.
Overall, the lyrics of "Reno Blues" depict a tale of love, infidelity, and revenge. The setting in Reno sets the stage for a tumultuous romance, and the lyrics highlight the conflict between the cowboy and the lawyer over the Hollywood maid. This classic country song explores themes of loyalty, loss, and the consequences of betrayal in a captivating narrative.
Line by Line Meaning
Way out in Reno, Nevada
In the distant city of Reno, Nevada
Where romance blooms and fades
A place where love comes and goes
A great Philadelphia lawyer
An exceptional lawyer from Philadelphia
Was in love with a Hollywood maid.
Had feelings for a woman from Hollywood
"Come, love, and we will wander
"Join me, my love, and we'll explore
"Down where the lights are bright
"To the vibrant and lively places
"I'll win you a divorce from your husband
"I'll successfully help you end your marriage
"And we can get married tonight."
"And then we can marry immediately."
Wild Bill was a gun-totin' cowboy
Wild Bill was a cowboy carrying guns
Ten notches were carved in his gun
His gun had ten marks from previous encounters
An' all the boys around Reno
And all the men in Reno
Left Wild Bill's maiden alone.
Avoided pursuing Wild Bill's woman
One night when he was returning
On a night when he was coming back
From ridin' the range in the cold
After riding across the cold wilderness
He dreamed of his Hollywood sweetheart
He dreamt of his beloved from Hollywood
Her love was as lasting as gold.
Her affection was enduring and precious
As he grew near her window
As he approached her window
A shadow he saw on the shade
He noticed a silhouette on the curtain
'Twas the great Philadelphia lawyer
It was the renowned lawyer from Philadelphia
Makin' love to Bill's Hollywood maid.
Romantically involved with Wild Bill's woman.
The night was as still as the desert
The night was completely quiet like the desert
And the moon hangin' high overhead
With the moon displayed prominently in the sky
Bill listened a while to the lawyer
Bill eavesdropped on the lawyer
He could hear ev'ry word that they said...
He could hear every word they exchanged...
"Your hands are so pretty and lovely
"Your hands are beautiful and appealing
"Your form's so rare and divine
"Your figure is exceptional and heavenly
"Come go with me to the city
"Accompany me to the city
"And leave this wild cowboy behind."
"Leaving behind this untamed cowboy."
Now back in old Pennsylvania
Returning to the old state of Pennsylvania
Among the beautiful pines
Amidst the stunning pine trees
There's one less Philadelphia lawyer
There's now one fewer Philadelphia lawyer
In old Philadelphia tonight...
In the city of Philadelphia tonight...
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@harrylazard805
You can't fool me, I hear Willy in there trading off verses with Merle! Love the two playing some lead at the end. This is an old Woody Guthrie tune...
@primroseharan9749
Fantastic song from the Fantastic merle thank you so much
@patriciajrs46
The Hag was always great! What an entertainer. Thanks. Willie and Merle? Cool!!
@haroldarmstrong8285
Another Merle song I’ve never heard....but Merle was Merle so all his music is so good. Thanks for posting.
@lenaandersson7270
Thanks Tom 🎤🎸 👍👍👍
@margaretsharbono2218
Dang what a Good Song. And Mr Merle a WONDERFUL SINGER. GREATEST SINGER OF ALL TIMES. 10-10-2023 3:45am MABS
@patmckay4984
Great song thanks for sharing Tom
@erinfraser7949
Bonnie Owens version in early 70's. With Merle and Strangers backing her is worth listening to. RIP MERLE AND BONNIE ❤❤LOVE BOTH😊😊
@ruthboykin9873
Love all he sang! Such a marvelous voice filled with emotion! This is beautiful too! Thank you!
@troyferguson6628
My. Dad was a self that guitar player,he use to play this in our basement of our home!