Jambalaya
William Lee Golden and The Goldens Lyrics

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Goodbye, Joe, he 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're have big fun on the Bayou

Well Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and filé gumbo
For tonight I'm a gonna see my ma cher ami-o
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o

Son of a gun, we're have big fun on the Bayou

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

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

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

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

Well Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and filé gumbo
For tonight I'm a gonna see my ma cher ami-o
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o

Son of a gun, we're have big fun on the Bayou
Son of a gun, we're have big fun on the Bayou

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Jambalaya" by William Lee Golden and The Goldens portray a lively and joyous atmosphere of people gathering by the Bayou to enjoy the pleasures of life. The song begins with bidding farewell to Joe who is leaving, likely to travel down the Bayou in a small flat-bottomed boat called a pirogue. Yvonne, the singer's beloved, is described as the sweetest one. The line "Son of a gun, we're have big fun on the Bayou" expresses the excitement and anticipation for the gathering and celebration that is about to take place.

The chorus of the song reinforces the festive mood, mentioning the dishes that will be enjoyed during the gathering: jambalaya, a traditional Louisiana rice dish with various meats and spices; a crawfish pie, a savory pastry filled with crawfish; and filé gumbo, a thick soup or stew made with meat or seafood and flavored with sassafras leaves. The singer is looking forward to seeing his "ma cher ami-o," or dear friend, and engages in playing the guitar, filling a fruit jar, and enjoying the festivities with a carefree spirit.

The second verse introduces Thibodaux Fontaineaux, a bustling place where relatives and kinfolk come to see Yvonne in large numbers. The description suggests that people dress up and let loose, going "hog wild" in their excitement to celebrate. The overall theme of the song emphasizes the vibrant culture, hospitality, and enjoyment of food, music, and dance that is typical of Louisiana and the Cajun lifestyle.

Line by Line Meaning

Goodbye, Joe, he gotta go, me oh my oh
Farewell, Joe, he must depart, oh my

He gotta go, pole the pirogue down the Bayou
He must go, navigate the small canoe along the Bayou

His Yvonne, the sweetest one, me oh my oh
His Yvonne, the most endearing one, oh my

Son of a gun, we're have big fun on the Bayou
Wow, we're having a great time on the Bayou

Well Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and filé gumbo
Oh, Jambalaya and a delicious crawfish pie and filé gumbo

For tonight I'm a gonna see my ma cher ami-o
Tonight, I'm going to see my dear friend, amigo

Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-o
Strum the guitar, fill up the jar with fruit and be joyful

Son of a gun, we're have big fun on the Bayou
Wow, we're having a great time on the Bayou

Thibodaux Fontaineaux the place is buzzin'
Thibodaux Fontaineaux, the place is lively

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

Dressed in style and go hog wild me oh my oh
Dressed elegantly and go crazy with excitement, oh my

Son of a gun we're have big fun on the bayou
Wow, we're having a great time on the Bayou