Jambalaya
Roy & The Kiliaan Brothers Lyrics


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Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh, my oh
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh, my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Jambalaya, a crawfish pie and a filé gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay, oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Thibodeaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Dress in style, go hog wild, me oh, my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Jambalaya, a crawfish pie and filé gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay, oh




Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Jambalaya" by Roy & The Kiliaan Brothers tell the story of someone named Joe who is saying goodbye and leaving to pole his pirogue (a small boat) down the bayou (a slow-moving stream or swampy section of a river). Joe is accompanied by his sweetheart Yvonne, and they plan on having a good time on the bayou. The song also mentions a crawfish pie and filé gumbo (two Louisiana dishes), as well as playing music and enjoying a good fruit jar.


The overall tone of the song is upbeat, lively, and celebratory. It celebrates the culture and traditions of Louisiana, and the joy of spending time with loved ones. Although the lyrics are relatively simple, they paint a vivid picture of a happy, carefree time, with friends and family gathered together to enjoy good food, good music, and each other's company.


One interesting fact about "Jambalaya" is that it was written and first recorded by Hank Williams in 1952. Roy & The Kiliaan Brothers recorded a cover version of the song in the Netherlands several decades later. The song has since become a beloved classic and a staple of Cajun and Zydeco music.


Line by Line Meaning

Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh, my oh
I need to leave, Joe. Goodbye, and oh my, I have to go.


Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
I have to go paddle my boat down the bayou.


My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh, my oh
Yvonne, my dear, you are the sweetest person I know.


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Wow, we are going to have such a great time on the bayou!


Jambalaya, a crawfish pie and a filé gumbo
I am going to have Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo tonight!


'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
I am very excited because tonight I am going to see my dear friend.


Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay, oh
I will play some guitar, fill up a jar with fruit, and have a great time.


Thibodeaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Thibodeaux and Fontaineaux are both buzzing since so many people came to see Yvonne.


Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Many of Yvonne's relatives are visiting her.


Dress in style, go hog wild, me oh, my oh
We are dressed up and ready to have some wild fun.


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Once more, we'll definitely have a great time on the bayou!


Jambalaya, a crawfish pie and filé gumbo
Once more, I will have Jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo!


'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Once more, I am thrilled to see my dear friend tonight.


Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay, oh
Once more, I will play some guitar, fill up a jar with fruit, and have a great time.


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Once more, we'll definitely have a great time on the bayou!




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Hank Williams, Sr.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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