Alabamy Bound
RAY CHARLES & Îðêåñòð Ê.Áåéñ Lyrics
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They'll be no heebie-jeebies hangin' 'round
Just gave the meanest ticket man on earth
All I'm worth to put my tootsies in an upper berth
Just hear the choo-choo sound
I know that soon we're gonna cover ground
And then I'll holler so the world will know
I'm Alabamy bound
They'll be no heebie-jeebies hanging 'round
Just gave the meanest ticket man on earth
All I'm worth to put my tootsies in an upper berth
Just hear the choo-choo sound
I know that soon we're gonna cover the ground
And then I'll holler so the world will know, here I go
I'm Alabamy, I'm Alabamy bound, I'm gone
The lyrics to "Alabamy Bound" depict the excitement of the singer as they embark on a journey to Alabama. The first stanza talks about the determination of the singer to make the trip as comfortable as possible, by paying the "meanest" ticket man all they have to secure a place in an upper berth. The second stanza describes the anticipation of the singer as they hear the sound of the train, knowing that they will soon reach their destination. The singer promises to shout out once they get there, announcing to the world that they have made it to Alabama.
The use of the term "heebie-jeebies" is interesting as it is an example of a term from African American Vernacular English that was later adopted into mainstream American English. The song was originally written in 1924 by Buddy DeSylva, Bud Green, and Ray Henderson, and has since been covered by numerous artists including Ray Charles and the Andrews Sisters. The song has also been featured in several films and TV shows, including the movie "The Jolson Story" and the TV show "The Muppet Show".
Line by Line Meaning
I'm Alabamy bound
I am heading towards Alabama
They'll be no heebie-jeebies hangin' 'round
I will not be anxious or jittery during my journey
Just gave the meanest ticket man on earth all I'm worth
I have paid all that I can to the most unpleasant ticket seller
To put my tootsies in an upper berth
To get a comfortable sleeping cabin in the upper deck of the train
Just hear the choo-choo sound
I can hear the rumbling noise of the train's engine
I know that soon we're gonna cover ground
I am aware that we will travel a great distance quickly
And then I'll holler so the world will know
I will scream loudly to let everyone know
Here I go, I'm Alabamy bound
I am leaving for Alabama now
I'm Alabamy, I'm Alabamy bound, I'm gone
I am going to Alabama and will not return for a while
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: RAY HENDERSON, BUD DE SYLVA, BUD GREEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Cox
Les Paul pulling off every advanced technique in that one solo that every aspiring guitarist wishes he or she could do.
El Mud
Les Paul stops bad breath 4 times better than any guitarist
Midnight Cowboy
Just an incredible guitarist, I mean seriously this is back in the early 50s , the electric guitar is still in it infancy and this guy is absolutely smokin
Frank Grassi
One of the greatest guitarists that ever lived!
ACfixer
What this man was doing was SO far ahead of his time... Most guitar players alive today would kill to play with that kind of speed and precision.
Fred and Patty Chandler
The guitar is just as amazing, as the guy playing it. That solo, was completely radical for the 40', and the Queenesque, harmony after Les, by Mary Ford. Gotta love it. Been on a Les Paul kick lately, both the player and, the guitar. Got an early Christmas present, from my Wife. One like, the Black Beauty, Custom, that's in this video.
Rayres
+Fred and Patty Chandler They're from 50's, but yes, the solo is completely radical. Les Paul was full of these things. Like the solo from the World Is Waiting for the Sunrise, he even does tapping, which is, y'now... not common in the 50's.
otisblueswelljr
Nobody really gives Mary props for doing all those harmony overdubs. Almost as impressing as the guitar work
Orzotube Phi
+otisblueswelljr And she was a pretty good guitarist too.
Daniel Ramirez
+otisblueswelljr First time I listened to Johnny is the Boy for Me I thought, 'Wow, that guitar!' so I had to hear more. Then I listened to How High the Moon and loved her overdubbed vocals. Both of them together were just so groundbreaking, her vocals were almost psychedelic.