That's All
Willie Nelson/Wynton Marsalis Lyrics
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Some people go to school tryin' to learn how to preach
But if you preach without goin' school
Brother you're ain't no preacher you're an educated fool
And that's all and that's all
You'd better change your way of livin' cause the good Lord say that's all
Now a feller I know it's a wiser man tryin' to save all the money that he can
Where's he gonna spend that money under the ground
And that's all and that's all...
Now a man come from monkey some people say
But the Good Book brother just don't tell it that way
And if you believe that monkey tale like some folks do
Then I'd rather be that monkey than you
And that's all and that's all...
Well my little song is ended and my little song is through
And I necessarilly mean this song for you
But if you don't like the way the little song goes
Well it's a mighty good sign that I've been trottin' on your toes
And that's all and that's all...
The song "That's All" by Willie Nelson and Wynton Marsalis is a commentary on different aspects of life and how people approach them. The first verse talks about education and the idea that just because someone is educated in a particular field, it doesn't necessarily make them an expert if they lack real-world experience. The lyrics warn against believing that education alone can make someone an authority on something, and that true knowledge comes from a combination of education and experience. The chorus reminds listeners to be mindful of their actions because ultimately, everything comes to an end and we're all accountable for what we've done while we're here on earth.
The second verse discusses the idea of saving money for the future, but also acknowledging that one day we will all die and our material possessions won't mean anything. The lyrics suggest that it's important to enjoy life in the present and not be solely focused on accumulating wealth. The final verse references the debate between evolution and creationism, and encourages listeners to think for themselves instead of blindly accepting what they're told. The lyrics imply that it's better to be a monkey (representing the idea of not blindly following) than to be an ignorant human who doesn't question anything.
Overall, "That's All" is a thought-provoking song that encourages listeners to think about the way they approach different aspects of life and not take things at face value.
Line by Line Meaning
Some people go to school tryin' to learn how to teach
There are individuals who attend school with the aim of obtaining the skills necessary to educate others.
Some people go to school tryin' to learn how to preach
There are also individuals who attend school to learn how to deliver religious sermons.
But if you preach without goin' school
Brother you're ain't no preacher you're an educated fool
If a person delivers sermons without the appropriate education or training, they are not truly a preacher but rather someone who is misguided by their education.
And that's all and that's all
You'd better change your way of livin' cause the good Lord say that's all
There is a need for an individual to modify their lifestyle as that is what the Good Lord expects them to do.
Now a feller I know it's a wiser man tryin' to save all the money that he can
One day undertaker lets him down
Where's he gonna spend that money under the ground
And that's all and that's all...
Although it is a wise decision to save money, death cannot be avoided, and there is no need to accumulate wealth excessively beyond one's needs as it would become meaningless when the person passes away.
Now a man come from monkey some people say
But the Good Book brother just don't tell it that way
And if you believe that monkey tale like some folks do
Then I'd rather be that monkey than you
And that's all and that's all...
Despite some people's beliefs that humans evolved from monkeys, the Good Book does not support that notion. If one accepts the monkey tale as valid, they are ignorant of The Good Book's teachings, and in that case, the songwriter would rather be a monkey than that individual.
Well my little song is ended and my little song is through
And I necessarilly mean this song for you
But if you don't like the way the little song goes
Well it's a mighty good sign that I've been trottin' on your toes
And that's all and that's all...
After his song is over, he remarks that it was directed towards the listener. However, if the listener reacts negatively to it, then it is a sign that he has stepped on their toes.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROSETTA THARPE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
clayton munsey
Wynton Marsalis – trumpet and vocals; Willie Nelson – vocals and guitar; Walter Blanding – saxophone; Dan Nimmer – piano;
Mickey Raphael – harmonica; Carlos Henriquez – bass; Ali Jackson – drums https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_Men_with_the_Blues
OlloTi
Amazing! LOVED this!
OGRE !!!!
willie nelson studio version of this is the best . i think from the album my own perculiar way
Gary Painter
WHAT IS ANYONE GOING TO TELL WILLIE NELSON THE. LEGEND!!
Dark Seven Master
Check lenny breau version he nailed the song completely