Jambalaya
Hank Williams
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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 fillet 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 fillet 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 Jambalaya and a crawfish pie and fillet 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 easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Written by: JOPER, WILLIAMS, SR.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
20 facts about this song
Release Date"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" was written and recorded by Hank Williams and released in July 1952.
|
SongwritingHank Williams wrote the song with help from Moon Mullican, a pianist. However, Mullican was not credited for the song.
|
Chart SuccessIt was a number one hit on the country music charts for fourteen non-consecutive weeks. The song topped the Billboard's US country music chart for a total of three months.
|
GenreThis song is considered a blend of honky-tonk and Cajun-style music.
|
Theme"Jambalaya" is a cheerful song about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness in South Louisiana, USA.
|
AlbumThe song was featured on the album "Hank Williams Sings".
|
Cover VersionsThe song has since been covered by a variety of artists across different music genres, including The Carpenters, Fats Domino, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
|
Name OriginThe song is named after Jambalaya, a Creole and Cajun dish that originated in Louisiana.
|
Language InfluenceBecause of its theme, the song includes Cajun words and phrases that are not commonly known outside of Louisiana.
|
Awards and Recognition"Jambalaya" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010, a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old and that have "qualitative or historical significance."
|
Origin & Release"Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" is a song written and recorded by American country music singer Hank Williams that was first released in July 1952. It is a single from his album "Hank Williams Sings".
|
Success & RecognitionThe song ranked at number one on Billboard's U.S. chart for "Most-Played Juke Box Folk Records" for 14 weeks and remained for 4 weeks on the Best Sellers in Stores chart in 1952.
|
Genre & Style"Jambalaya" is often considered one of the earliest and most popular examples of Cajun-influenced country songs. The upbeat song exhibits a mix of honky-tonk country, with elements of folk and is emblematic of Williams' straightforward musical style.
|
Cultural ReferencesThe song's lyrics are filled with references to Cajun culture, including food, dancing, and the bayou—a wide flat area near the marshlands of Louisiana. Its title, "Jambalaya," is named after the popular Louisiana-origin dish, known for its blend of rice, meat, and vegetables, similar to Spanish paella.
|
Remakes By Other ArtistsVarious artists have covered "Jambalaya" over the years, including Fats Domino, The Carpenters, and Emmylou Harris, showcasing the song's timeless appeal and versatility.
|
Language Version"Jambalaya" has been translated and recorded in various languages worldwide, notable versions include French by Claude Francois and Dutch by Gerard Cox, highlighting its global popularity.
|
Cultural ImpactIt is often performed by artists at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, reflecting its enduring influence on Louisiana music and culture.
|
Hank Williams Live PerformanceDespite its popularity, Williams reportedly only performed the song once on radio, during his last live radio broadcast on KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana, a testament to his tragically short career.
|
Song MeaningUnlike many songs of Hank Williams that have a tone of sadness and heartbreak, "Jambalaya" stands out in his discography due to its happy and feel-good lyrics about life on the bayou.
|
Influence on Other GenreThe song's rhythm was reused by Hank Williams himself in "Honky Tonk Blues," and its melody was reused by Jerry Lee Lewis in "Lewis Boogie." This demonstrates the importance of "Jambalaya" not only in country music but also in the development of rock and roll.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Jambalaya Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/29250923/Hank+Williams/Jambalaya>.
Discuss the Jambalaya Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In