Bobby Gentry

Introduction

Bobby Gentry’s “Ode to Billie Joe” stands as a poetic masterpiece, encapsulating the allure of the Deep South and the mysteries that dwell within. Released in 1967, this haunting ballad has etched itself into the fabric of musical history, captivating audiences with its enigmatic narrative and soulful melodies.

Did You Know?

Bobby Gentry, born Roberta Lee Streeter on July 27, 1942, in Chickasaw County, Mississippi, ventured into the music scene with a distinctive blend of country, pop, and folk influences. However, it was her enigmatic storytelling in “Ode to Billie Joe” that catapulted her to international fame.

The song narrates a poignant tale of a fateful day on the Tallahatchie Bridge, leaving listeners with unanswered questions and a sense of melancholy. Interestingly, the song’s narrative richness sparked widespread curiosity, leading to the creation of a film and a novel inspired by the lyrics.

Bobby Gentry’s contribution to the world of music extends beyond this iconic track. Her unique voice and storytelling prowess have solidified her as a trailblazer in the realm of country and folk music.

Video

Lyrics: Ode to Billy Joe

It was the third of June, another sleepy, dusty Delta day
I was out choppin’ cotton and my brother was balin’ hay
And at dinner time we stopped and walked back to the house to eat
And Mama hollered out the back door, “Y’all remember to wipe your feet”
And then she said, “I got some news this mornin’ from Choctaw Ridge
Today Billie Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge”

And Papa said to Mama as he passed around the black-eyed peas
“Well, Billie Joe never had a lick of sense. Pass the biscuits, please
There’s five more acres in the lower forty I’ve got to plow”
And Mama said it was a shame about Billie Joe, anyhow
Seems like nothin’ ever comes to no good up on Choctaw Ridge
And now Billie Joe MacAllister’s jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge

And brother said he recollected when he and Tom and Billie Joe
He put a frog down my back at the Carroll County picture show
And wasn’t I talkin’ to him after church last Sunday night?
“I’ll have another piece of apple pie. You know, it don’t seem right
I saw him at the sawmill yesterday on Choctaw Ridge
And now you tell me Billie Joe’s jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge”

Mama said to me, “Child, what’s happened to your appetite?
I’ve been cookin’ all morning and you haven’t touched a single bite
That nice young preacher, Brother Taylor, dropped by today
Said he’d be pleased to have dinner on Sunday. Oh, by the way
He said he saw a girl that looked a lot like you up on Choctaw Ridge
And she and Billie Joe was throwing somethin’ off the Tallahatchie Bridge”

A year has come ‘n’ gone since we heard the news ’bout Billie Joe
And brother married Becky Thompson, they bought a store in Tupelo
There was a virus going ’round, Papa caught it and he died last Spring
And now Mama doesn’t seem to wanna do much of anything
And me, I spend a lot of time pickin’ flowers up on Choctaw Ridge
And drop them into the muddy water off the Tallahatchie Bridge