Molly-O
Steve Earle Lyrics


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In the shadow of the chestnut tree I hide
Sword and pistol by my side
Long come a traveller lay him low
All for the love of my Molly-O

I left my family I left my home
Out in the wicked world to roam
No road so low I won't go
Down for the love of my Molly-O

Oh Molly
Oh Molly
Oh Molly
All for the love of my Molly-O

I love Molly Gold only knows
Molly loves diamonds pearls and gold
Bangles beads and bells I bring
But Molly won't wear no wedding ring

Men have dies for lesser things
Vengeance, country, God and King




Someday I'll swing from the gallows pole
A final dance for my Molly-O

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Steve Earle's song Molly-O relate to a lover who is willing to risk everything for the love of a woman named Molly. The song is set in the shadow of a chestnut tree where the singer is hiding with a sword and pistol by his side. The lyrics suggest that the singer has a violent side, and he is willing to lay down anyone who threatens his love for Molly. The singer has left his family and home to roam in the wicked world, and he claims that there is no road too low for him to travel down for Molly.


The chorus repeats the name Molly three times, suggesting that she is the central point of the singer's life. The lyrics further reveal that the singer loves Molly, but she is materialistic and driven by wealth. He brings her bangles, beads, and bells, but she refuses to wear a wedding ring. The last verse suggests that the singer is willing to die for Molly, as men have died for lesser things like vengeance, country, God, and king. He knows that someday he will swing from the gallows pole, and it will be his final dance with Molly.


In summary, Steve Earle's "Molly-O" is a love song that highlights the singer's willingness to do anything for the woman he loves, even if it means risking his life. The song's themes of violence, materialism, and the singer's undeterred love for Molly make it a compelling and thought-provoking song.


Line by Line Meaning

In the shadow of the chestnut tree I hide
I am hiding in the shadow of the chestnut tree.


Sword and pistol by my side
I carry a sword and pistol with me.


Long come a traveller lay him low
I killed a traveler who came by.


All for the love of my Molly-O
I did it all because of my love for Molly.


I left my family I left my home
I abandoned my family and home.


Out in the wicked world to roam
I am wandering around the evil world.


No road so low I won't go
I am willing to go to any length.


Down for the love of my Molly-O
I am doing it all for the love of Molly.


Oh Molly
Oh Molly!


Oh Molly
Oh Molly!


Oh Molly
Oh Molly!


All for the love of my Molly-O
I am doing everything because of my love for Molly.


I love Molly Gold only knows
I love Molly more than anything, only Gold knows.


Molly loves diamonds pearls and gold
Molly loves diamonds, pearls, and gold.


Bangles beads and bells I bring
I bring bangles, beads, and bells for Molly.


But Molly won't wear no wedding ring
Molly won't wear a wedding ring.


Men have dies for lesser things
Men have died for less important things than love.


Vengeance, country, God and King
People have died for revenge, country, God, and King.


Someday I'll swing from the gallows pole
I will be executed and hang from the gallows pole someday.


A final dance for my Molly-O
It will be my final dance for Molly.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVE EARLE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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