Jambalaya
The Carpenters Lyrics


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A good-bye Joe, you gotta go, me oh my oh
He gotta go-pole the pirogue down the bayou
His Yvonne the sweetest one, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

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

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

Settle down far from town, get him a pirogue
And he'll catch all the fish in the bayou
Swap his mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

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

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

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

Jambalaya and crawfish pie, filé gumbo
For tonight, I'ma gonna see my ma cher a mio




Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Overall Meaning

The Carpenters' song Jambalaya is a celebration of Louisiana bayou culture with a cheerful melody that invites its listener to join in the fun. The song starts with a farewell to Joe, who is leaving to pole his pirogue down the bayou, leaving behind his sweetheart Yvonne. The song then introduces us to Thibodaux and Fontaineaux, where Yvonne's kinfolk have come to visit. The scene is set for big fun on the bayou, with everyone dressed in style and going hog wild.


The chorus chimes in, celebrating the bayou's cuisine with its iconic dishes, such as jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo. The song is upbeat and fun, with everyone picking their guitars, filling fruit jars, and being gay-o. The song ends with the promise of more jambalaya, crawfish pie, and filé gumbo, and more fun on the bayou.


The lyrics to Jambalaya capture the joy and energy of the Louisiana bayou culture. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Hank Williams, Fats Domino, and Emmylou Harris. Its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics have made it a popular party song, inspiring folks to clap their hands, tap their feet, and sing along.


Line by Line Meaning

A good-bye Joe, you gotta go, me oh my oh
Joe is saying goodbye and must leave, expressing surprise or astonishment.


He gotta go-pole the pirogue down the bayou
Joe must navigate his boat down the bayou using a long pole.


His Yvonne the sweetest one, me oh my oh
Yvonne is the sweetest woman in Joe's life, expressing deep affection and admiration.


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
A joyful exclamation expressing excitement and anticipation for the festivities on the bayou.


Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
The towns of Thibodaux and Fontaineaux are filled with activity and excitement.


A kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Many relatives have come to see Yvonne, highlighting her importance and popularity.


Dressed in style they go hog wild, me oh my oh
The relatives are dressed stylishly and are having a great time, expressing awe and amazement.


Jambalaya and crawfish pie and filé gumbo
Traditional Louisiana dishes are being served for the festivities.


For tonight, I'ma gonna see my ma cher a mio
Joe is excited to see his darling tonight.


Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Playing the guitar, drinking from a jar filled with fruit, and enjoying oneself are all part of the festivities.


Settle down far from town, get him a pirogue
Joe wants to settle down far from town and get a boat to fish from.


And he'll catch all the fish in the bayou
Joe will catch all the fish in the bayou, indicating his skill and dedication to fishing.


Swap his mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Joe will trade his money to buy Yvonne what she needs, demonstrating his love and devotion.


Jambalaya and crawfish pie, filé gumbo
The delicious Louisiana dishes are being served again.


Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
An expression of excitement and joy for the festivities on the bayou.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@toppop

Listen now to Jambalaya (On The Bayou) by The Carpenters in better quality than you've ever imagined!👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhlFdytPkFg

We remastered some of the best clips on the TopPop YouTube channel in HD. We also upgraded the sound from the original masterfile, to give you the best possible experience. Enjoy the great legacy of Toppop in HD!

@user-qf8zl1ii7d

감사합니다 😉

@nicolomuc

@@user-qf8zl1ii7d Soth or nord kim?

@iakmenlangmylliemumlong6050

Who is still listening to this in 2023 and 6 more months to go to 2024❤❤

@EileenMcConnell-om5tr

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@lis.4388

Still listening, 😊 July 15, 2023!
Classic song/s by The Carpenters

11 More Replies...

@paulhf8133

Who's listening to this masterpiece in 2024?

@myintthu1750

me

@Im_thereal_tigry

I DO I LOVE THIS ITS STILL A MASTERPIECE

@rosemarygilman6400

I'm with you ❤

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