Sure 'Nuff 'N Yes I Do
Ralph Stanley Lyrics


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Well, I was born in the desert,
Came up from New Orleans.
Came up on a tornado,
Sunlight in the sky.

Sure enough, baby, sunlight in the sky.

Hey, hey, young girl, where you at?
I got a brand new Cadillac, I got a brand new Jaguar, too.

Sure enough, baby, sure enough, yes, I do.

Got the time to teach you now,
But you learn some, too.
Got the time to teach you now,
I bet you learn some, too.

Sure enough, baby, sure enough, yes, I do.

Hey, hey, oh, you, young girl,
Whatever you do.
Come on by and see me,
I'll make it worth-while for you.





Sure enough, baby, I'll make it worth-while for you.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ralph Stanley's song "Sure 'Nuff 'N Yes I Do" tells a story of a man who was born in the desert and later made his way to New Orleans. The imagery in the line "Came up on a tornado, sunlight in the sky" is particularly striking, as it reflects the turbulent circumstances of the man's life journey. He then addresses a young woman, telling her that he has a brand new Cadillac and a brand new Jaguar, suggesting that he is wealthy and able to provide for her if she comes to spend time with him.


The man then proceeds to tell the young woman that he has the time to teach her, but she will also learn some too. This line is somewhat ambiguous, but it could be interpreted as him offering to show her how to live a life of wealth and prosperity, with the caveat that she must be willing to learn and put in the effort. The final lines of the song are perhaps the most telling, as he urges the young woman to come see him and promises that he will make it worth her while. The suggestion here is that he is offering something she desires, perhaps validation, affection, or material goods, in exchange for her time and attention.


Overall, the song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of falling under the sway of someone who seems to offer rewards but may not have the best intentions. The man's promises of wealth and knowledge may be alluring, but the listener is left with the sense that the young woman should be careful before accepting his offer.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I was born in the desert,
I come from a place that is hot, with little water and vegetation.


Came up from New Orleans.
I traveled north from a city in Louisiana known for its jazz and blues music.


Came up on a tornado,
I had a turbulent start to my journey, like a whirlwind or storm.


Sunlight in the sky.
Despite the difficulties, there was light or hope in my life.


Sure enough, baby, sunlight in the sky.
Yes, indeed, there was light or positivity in my life.


Hey, hey, young girl, where you at?
Hello, young woman, where are you located currently?


I got a brand new Cadillac, I got a brand new Jaguar, too.
I have recently acquired two luxury automobiles, a Cadillac and a Jaguar.


Sure enough, baby, sure enough, yes, I do.
Yes, it's true that I have both a Cadillac and a Jaguar.


Got the time to teach you now,
I am available to impart knowledge on you at this moment.


But you learn some, too.
However, I also expect to learn something from you in the process.


I bet you learn some, too.
I am confident that you will also gain some knowledge or skills from this interaction.


Sure enough, baby, sure enough, yes, I do.
Yes, indeed, I am willing to teach you and to learn from you as well.


Hey, hey, oh, you, young girl,
Hello, you, the young woman I am speaking to.


Whatever you do.
Regardless of what you are currently doing or planning to do.


Come on by and see me,
You are welcome to visit me at my location.


I'll make it worth-while for you.
I will ensure that the visit is valuable or enjoyable for you in some way.


Sure enough, baby, I'll make it worth-while for you.
Yes, indeed, I am committed to making your visit worth your time.




Writer(s): Don Van Vliet

Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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