Billy Bayou
Billy Bayou's Red-Headed Tale: Love, Battles, and Louisiana Days
Lyrics
Back about eighteen hundred and some
Refers to the historical period around the 1800s.
A Louisiana couple had a red-headed son
A couple from Louisiana had a red-headed son.
No name suited him, Jim, Jack or Joe
The boy was given generic names, but none stuck; he was simply called Billy Bayou.
They just called him Billy Bayou
Billy's informal name.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
A warning to Billy to be cautious in his actions.
You're walkin' on quicksand, walk slow
Advises Billy to be careful as he navigates life's challenges.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what you say
Cautioning Billy to be mindful of his words, especially around attractive girls.
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days
Foretells that a beautiful girl might cause trouble for Billy.
(Billy Bayou)
Repetition of Billy Bayou as a reminder of the central character.
(Billy Bayou)
-Billy was a boy, kinda big for his size
Description of Billy as a large boy with distinctive features.
Red hair and freckles and big blue eyes
Details of Billy's appearance - red hair, freckles, and blue eyes.
Thirteen years from the day he was born
Specifies Billy's age, indicating a significant event.
Billy fought the battle of the little big horn
References Billy's metaphorical battle, possibly a tough life experience.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
Reiterates the need for caution in Billy's journey through life.
You're walkin' on quicksand, walk slow
Emphasizes the precarious nature of Billy's path.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what I say
Repeats the warning about the potential consequences of Billy's words.
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days
Reiterates the idea that an attractive girl could be problematic for Billy.
(Billy Bayou)
Continued repetition of Billy Bayou for emphasis.
(Billy Bayou)
-One sad day Billy cried ho ho
Describes a moment when Billy expressed confidence or bravado.
I can lick the feathers off of gee-ron-imo
Billy claims he can defeat Geronimo in a whimsical manner.
He started off, the chief got mad
Describes an encounter with the Native American chief and potential danger.
This nearly ended our Louisiana lad
Indicates that Billy's bravado could have serious consequences.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
Reiterates the need for caution in Billy's actions.
You're walkin' on quicksand, walk slow
Emphasizes the slow and careful approach Billy should adopt.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what I say
Repeats the caution about the potential impact of Billy's words.
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days
Reiterates the warning about the influence of a pretty girl on Billy.
(Billy Bayou)
Continued repetition of Billy Bayou for emphasis.
(Billy Bayou)
-One day in eighteen seventy-eight
Specifies a particular day in 1878, introducing a new event.
A pretty girl walked through Bill's front gate
A beautiful girl enters Billy's life.
He didn't know whether to cry or rto un
Billy's emotional confusion - uncertain whether to cry or rejoice.
He wound up married 'cause he didn't either one
Billy ends up getting married due to the unexpected situation.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
Repeats the cautionary advice to watch Billy's steps.
If you're walkin' on quicksand, walk slow
Reiterates the need for careful navigation, especially in difficult situations.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what I say
Repeats the warning about the potential impact of Billy's words on a pretty girl.
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days
Reiterates the idea that a beautiful girl could bring unexpected consequences.
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days
Repeats the cautionary note about the influence of a pretty girl on Billy.
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days
Final repetition of the warning about the impact of a pretty girl on Billy.
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