Magnolia
Poco Lyrics


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Whippoorwill's singing, soft summer breeze;
Makes me think of my baby 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 to you baby;




I'll soon be there
I'll soon be there

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Poco's song, Magnolia, tell the story of a man who is far from his lover, but his mind and heart is solely focused on her. The whippoorwill's singing and soft summer breeze create a nostalgic and comforting atmosphere. However, he cannot enjoy it fully because he misses his lover, who he left in New Orleans. The mention of the magnolia flower, which is a symbol of love, sets the mood for the romantic lyrics that follow.


The man is desperate to be reunited with his lover, and he describes her as the "best I ever had." His desire to be with her is so intense that he feels like she's driving him mad. The lyrics also touch upon the small moments that the couple shares, like when she whispers "Good Morning" softly in his ear, and that fills him with joy. He promises to go back to her, and with the last line, "I'll soon be there," we can feel his anticipation and eagerness to be with her.


Overall, the lyrics to Magnolia convey the emotions of separation and longing that a person feels when away from their loved one. It also emphasizes the importance of the little moments of tenderness and connection between two people in a relationship.


Line by Line Meaning

Whippoorwill's singing, soft summer breeze;
The sound of Whippoorwill and the gentle wind reminds me of my loved one in New Orleans.


Makes me think of my baby left down in New Orleans,
The environment brings back thoughts of my loved one who is still in New Orleans.


I left down in New Orleans
I had to separate from my loved one who is still in New Orleans.


Magnolia you sweet thing, you're driving me mad
I'm losing my mind over my intense desire to be with my loved one, Magnolia.


Got to get back to you, baby;
I have to return to Magnolia, my loved one.


You're the best I ever had;
Magnolia is the best partner I have ever had.


You whisper, ";Good Morning"; so gently in my ear;
Magnolia's kind greetings in the morning echoes in my ears.


I'm coming to you baby;
I'm on my way to you, Magnolia.


I'll soon be there
I'll reach Magnolia's place shortly.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John J Cale

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

MegaSnippezz

Cale's version is magnificent but my god, Poco's version has to be one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard.

Dana Hill

The same here Mega. Whenever I would sit down for a listening session back in the 70s, this was always the final song I would listen to. The arrangement here is so incredibly spot-on, hurting, melancholy. It was (and still is) such a therapeutic song for me.

float & sting

@Dana Hill Poco had the Eagles 2nd bass player on this tune

Linda D

This entire album was a masterwork. I was priviledged to be introduced to it
. smiles

Becky Finch

Agree 100%!!!!

Jay Corby

MegaSnippezz Always been one of my favorites of theirs. You're right, it is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I've ever heard as well. I have the original vinyl, and still play it on my old stereo. -Fisher Philharmonic cabinet model purchased in 1968.

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Alexis Araneta

Oh, Poco ! They have this way of touching you as gently as a butterfly's wings. This song is no exception. Amazing vocals, haunting musicality, poetic lyrics. Just bliss !

lucille aberle

I just love the song Magnolia. That song just really touches my soul.

float & sting

@lucille aberle JJ Cale song

Esteban Garcia

If you like this...please check out a similiar era but lesser known band here in the southwest called "Moonpie Daince Band"....and listen to a song titled "Enchanted Mesa"..please let me know what you think. I'm not a band member, just a fan..

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