Jambalaya (On the Bayou)

Hank Williams

About Jambalaya (On the Bayou)

"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Hank Williams that was first released in July 1952. Named for a Creole and Cajun dish, jambalaya, it spawned numerous cover versions and has since achieved popularity in several different music genres.


Year:
1992
2:52
34 

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Goodbye 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 a fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma-chère-amie-oh
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of-a-gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

The Thibodaux,  the 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 a fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma-chère-amie-oh
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of-a-gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

Jambalaya, and a crawfish pie and fillet gumbo
'Cause tonight I'm gonna see my ma-chère-amie-oh
Pick guitar, fill fruit jar and be gay-oh
Son of-a-gun, we'll have big fun on the bayou

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Hank Williams

Hank Williams (/hæŋk wɪljəmz /; September 17, 1923 – January 1, 1953), born Hiram King Williams, was an American singer-songwriter and musician regarded as one of the most important country music artists of all time. Williams recorded 35 singles (five released posthumously) that would place in the Top 10 of the Billboard Country & Western Best Sellers chart, including 11 that ranked number one. more »

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Written by: JOPER, WILLIAMS, SR.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


25 facts about this song

Song History
"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Hank Williams. He first recorded it in 1952.
Chart Success
Upon its release, "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" rose to number one on the Billboard country singles chart.
Music Genre
The song is a prime example of the 'Cajun-influenced' country music style popular in the 1950s.
Song Inspiration
The lyrics are inspired by southern Louisiana's Cajun culture, including cuisine, with references to specific dishes like jambalaya, crawfish pie, and file gumbo.
Music Arrangement
It has a recurring melody, a common characteristic of Williams' songs.
Cover Versions
Over the years, many artists have recorded their versions of the song. Notable covers include those by Fats Domino, Emmylou Harris, The Carpenters, and John Fogerty. It has been translated and performed in various languages.
Pop-Culture References
Due to its distinctive tune and lyrics, the song has been featured in several movies, television shows, and commercials in the U.S.
Cajun Influence
The song is often used in popular representations of the Cajun people and their culture.
Song Legacy
Hank Williams' "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" has become a staple in American country music and is frequently performed by country artists at concerts and events.
Live Performances
Despite its success and popularity, Hank Williams reportedly never performed the song live.
Accolades
In 2001, it was honored with a Grammy Hall of Fame Award, which is given to recordings that are at least 25 years old and have "qualitative or historical significance."
Songwriting Credits
While Hank Williams is said to have co-written the song with Moon Mullican, Williams alone is officially credited as the song's writer.
Duration
The song's length is relatively short, as it runs for just 2 minutes and 53 seconds, which was common for songs of that era.
Censorship
The song was temporarily banned by a radio station in Texas due to its lyrics' perceived sexual innuendo. However, this only boosted the song's popularity.
Hank Williams' Success
The song played a significant role in establishing Williams as one of the most influential and popular country artists of his time.
Song Release
"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" is a song written and recorded by country music singer Hank Williams that was released in July 1952.
Chart Performance
The song reached number one on the U.S. country charts for fourteen non-consecutive weeks.
Song Composition
"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" is structured as a two-part AAB pattern. It's most easily classified as a song poem, set to waltz time.
Song Theme
The song is about life, love, and food on the bayou, reflecting Hank Williams' love for the Louisiana lifestyle.
Song Language
Despite being a country song, it relies heavily on Cajun linguistics and includes many Creole French terms.
Cover Versions
Many artists have recorded their version of "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)", including Bluegrass artist Charlie Daniels, rock artist Creedence Clearwater Revival, and pop artists The Carpenters.
Song Legacy
The song is a signature piece for Hank Williams and has been recognized by ASCAP as one of the top country songs of all time.
Album Association
"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" appeared on Hank Williams' posthumous 1969 album "Hank Williams – 36 Greatest Hits."
Cultural Influence
The song has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "The Lost Boys," "Forrest Gump," and "Hot Rod."
Grammy Hall of Fame
"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least 25 years old and have "qualitative or historical significance."

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