Jack of Diamonds
Journey of Loss and Longing: Jack of Diamonds Meaning Unveiled
Lyrics
Jack of diamonds, Jack of diamonds, I know you of old
Addressing someone familiar as the "Jack of Diamonds" with a history known to the speaker.
You have robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
Accusing the Jack of Diamonds of taking away the speaker's wealth.
Tis raining, 'tis hailing, 'tis a dark stormy night
Describing the current weather conditions as dark and stormy.
And my horses cannot travel for the moon gives no light
Explaining that the speaker's horses cannot travel due to the dark night with no moonlight.
My horses cannot travel for the moon gives no light
Reiterating that the horses cannot travel due to the absence of moonlight.
Go put up your horses and feed them some hay
Instructing to put up the horses and provide them with hay.
Then sit down beside me till the light of the day
Inviting the Jack of Diamonds to sit down and stay with the speaker until morning.
My horses ain't hungry, they won't eat your hay
Claiming that the horses are not hungry and won't eat the offered hay.
So fair thee well, darlin', I'll be on my way
Bidding farewell, stating the speaker's intention to leave.
So fair thee well, darlin', I'll be on my way
Repeating the farewell message.
I'll build me a cabin on the mountain so high
Expressing the desire to build a cabin on a high mountain.
Where the wild geese can see me as they pass me by
Imagining being visible to wild geese flying by from the mountain cabin.
As sure as the dewdrop grows on the green corn
Using a metaphor, emphasizing the certainty of change or loss (dewdrop on green corn).
Last night you were with me but today you are gone
Reflecting on the transient nature of a past companionship, as someone who was with the speaker last night is now gone.
Last night you were with me but today you are gone
Reiterating the feeling of loss and absence.
Jack of diamonds, Jack of diamonds, I know you of old
Repeatedly addressing the Jack of Diamonds, emphasizing the history between them.
You have robbed my poor pockets of silver and gold
Repeating the accusation of the Jack of Diamonds robbing the speaker's wealth.
Rye whiskey, rye whiskey, I wish you no harm
Expressing a wish for rye whiskey without harboring ill feelings.
But I wish I had a bottle as long as my arm
Expressing a desire for a large quantity of rye whiskey.
I wish I had a bottle as long as my arm
Reiterating the wish for a substantial amount of rye whiskey.
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