Jambalaya
Roy And 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 And The Kiliaan Brothers is a lively and upbeat song that celebrates the joy and festivities of the Louisiana bayou culture. The initial line, "Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh, my oh," sets the scene for a departure, indicating the singer's eagerness to leave for the bayou. The phrase "pole the pirogue down the bayou" refers to traveling in a flat-bottomed boat called a pirogue, a common mode of transportation in the region.


The singer mentions Yvonne, who is described as the sweetest one, indicating that she is either a romantic interest or a close friend. The phrase "Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou" emphasizes the anticipation of enjoying an exciting and memorable time in the bayou.


The chorus of the song introduces the culinary delights of the region, mentioning "Jambalaya, a crawfish pie, and a filé gumbo." These are traditional Louisiana dishes known for their rich flavors. The mention of "ma cher amio" is an affectionate term in Cajun French, meaning "my dear friend."


The verses further depict the festive atmosphere of the bayou, with a mention of Thibodeaux and Fontaineaux, local names that add a sense of community and familiarity. The line "Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen" suggests that Yvonne is perhaps a popular figure in the community, attracting the attention of her relatives and friends. The phrase "Dress in style, go hog wild" signifies the enthusiasm and carefree nature of the celebrations.


Overall, "Jambalaya" is a lively and joyful tribute to the vibrant culture of the Louisiana bayou, with its catchy chorus and vivid depiction of the festivities.


Line by Line Meaning

Goodbye Joe, me gotta go, me oh, my oh
Farewell Joe, I have to leave, oh my goodness


Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
I have to row the small boat down the bayou


My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh, my oh
My Yvonne, the most delightful one, oh my goodness


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Wow, we will have a great time on the bayou


Jambalaya, a crawfish pie and a filé gumbo
Jambalaya, a tasty dish with crawfish pie and filé gumbo


'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Because tonight I'm going to see my dear friend


Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay, oh
Play the guitar, fill up the jar with fruit and be merry, oh


Thibodeaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Thibodeaux, Fontaineaux, the location is bustling'


Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Relatives come in large numbers to see Yvonne


Dress in style, go hog wild, me oh, my oh
Dress stylishly, have a wild time, oh my goodness


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Wow, we will have a great time on the bayou


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