Jambalaya
The Plainsmen Lyrics
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'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Good-bye, 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 and a crawfish pie and filet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and filet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
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 me a pirogue
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou
Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and filet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
The Plainsmen's song "Jambalaya" is an upbeat and jovial tune that describes the joys of Cajun cuisine and culture. The lyrics describe a night of revelry that includes jambalaya, a crawfish pie, and filet gumbo. The singer is excited to see his "ma cher amio," or his dear friend, and plans to pick guitar, fill a fruit jar, and enjoy himself. As he heads down to the bayou, he bids farewell to Joe and hops into his boat to join his sweetheart Yvonne. They enjoy the festivities with their kinfolk and dance up a storm. The last stanza talks about settling down near the bayou, where the singer can fish and bring home provisions for his beloved.
One interpretation of the song is that it celebrates the joys of community and belonging. The singer is not alone in his love for Cajun culture, and the repetition of the phrase "son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou" implies that he is part of a larger social group that shares his enthusiasm. The food and music mentioned in the song are emblematic of Cajun heritage, and the singer is proud to engage in these traditions.
Overall, "Jambalaya" paints a vivid picture of Cajun life, emphasizing the importance of family, food, and music in this cultural milieu. It is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, and its catchy chorus is sure to get stuck in your head.
Line by Line Meaning
Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and filet gumbo
We will be enjoying a delicious Cajun meal of rice, shellfish, and a fish dish.
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma cher amio
I will be seeing my dear friend tonight.
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
We will be singing and playing music, drinking and having a good time.
Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou
We will have a lot of fun in the bayou area.
Good-bye, Joe, me gotta go, me oh my oh
I have to leave, good-bye, Joe.
Me gotta go pole the pirogue down the bayou
I have to go float my boat down the bayou using a pole.
My Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh
My dear Yvonne, the sweetest one.
Thibodaux, Fontaineaux, the place is buzzin'
Thibodaux and Fontaineaux are lively places.
Kinfolk come to see Yvonne by the dozen
Many of our relatives are coming to see Yvonne.
Dress in style and go hog wild, me oh my oh
We will dress well and have a wild time.
Settle down far from town, get me a pirogue
I will settle down outside the city and acquire a small boat.
And I'll catch all the fish in the bayou
I will catch all the fish in the bayou.
Swap my mon to buy Yvonne what she need-o
I will exchange money to buy what Yvonne requires.
Writer(s): Hank Williams Sr.
Contributed by Claire E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.