About the song
Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family
Jimmie Rodgers was an American singer-songwriter who is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of country music. He was born in Meridian, Mississippi, in 1897, and began his musical career in the early 1920s. Rodgers was known for his distinctive yodeling style and his ability to blend elements of blues, jazz, and cowboy music. He was also a prolific songwriter, and his songs have been covered by countless artists over the years.
One of Rodgers’ most famous songs is “Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas),” which was released in 1927. The song is a classic example of Rodgers’ yodeling style, and it features his trademark use of blues and jazz influences. The lyrics of the song tell the story of a man who is down on his luck and is looking for a place to call home. He sings about his travels through the South, and he eventually finds himself in Texas, where he decides to settle down.
“Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)” was a major hit for Rodgers, and it helped to establish him as one of the most popular country music singers in the world. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson. It is considered to be one of the most important songs in the history of country music, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world.
The Carter Family
The Carter Family was an American country music group that was active from the 1920s to the 1950s. The group was founded by A.P. Carter, his wife Sara Carter, and his sister-in-law Maybelle Carter. The Carters were known for their close harmonies and their traditional country music style. They were also prolific songwriters, and their songs have been covered by countless artists over the years.
The Carter Family was one of the most influential groups in the history of country music. They helped to popularize the genre and they inspired many other country music artists. The Carters were also pioneers in the use of recording technology, and they were one of the first groups to record their music.
The Carter Family’s music is still enjoyed by fans all over the world. They were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970, and they received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.
The song’s impact on country music
“Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)” is considered to be one of the most important songs in the history of country music. It helped to establish Jimmie Rodgers as one of the most popular country music singers in the world, and it influenced many other country music artists. The song is also a classic example of Rodgers’ yodeling style, and it features his trademark use of blues and jazz influences.
The song’s impact on country music can be seen in the many covers that have been recorded over the years. Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson are just a few of the artists who have covered “Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas).” The song is also a staple of country music radio, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world.
The song’s significance today
“Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)” is still a significant song today. It is a classic example of country music, and it continues to be enjoyed by fans all over the world. The song is also a reminder of the importance of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family to the history of country music. These two groups were pioneers in the genre, and they helped to shape the sound of country music that we know and love today.
Video
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
T for Texas, T for Tennessee
T for Texas, T for Tennessee
T for Thelma, that gal that made a wreck out of me
[Refrain]
Oh-del-lay-ee oh, lay-ee eh, lay-ee
[Verse 2]
If you don’t want me mama, you sure don’t have to stall, oh Lord
If you don’t want me mama, you sure don’t have to stall
‘Cause I can get more women than a passenger train can haul
[Refrain]
Oh-del-lay-ee oh, lay-ee eh, lay-ee
[Verse 3]
I’m gonna buy me a pistol just as long as I’m tall, Lord Lord
I’m gonna buy me a pistol just as long as I’m tall
I’m gonna shoot poor Thelma just to see her jump and fall
[Refrain]
Oh-del-lay-ee eh, lay-ee oh, lay-ee
[Verse 4]
I’m goin’ where the water drinks like cherry wine, sing ’em boy sing ’em
Lord I’m goin’ where the water drinks like cherry wine
‘Cause this Georgia water tastes like turpentine
[Refrain]
Oh-del-lay-ee eh, lay-ee oh, lay-ee
[Verse 5]
I’m gonna buy me a shotgun with a great long shiny barrel
Gonna buy me a shotgun with a great long shiny barrel
I’m gonna shoot that rounder that stole away my gal
[Refrain]
Oh-del-lay-ee eh, lay-ee oh, lay-ee
[Verse 6]
Rather drink muddy water sleep in a holler log
Rather drink muddy water sleep in a holler log
Than to be in Atlanta treated like a dirty dog
[Refrain]
Oh-del-lay-ee eh, lay-ee oh, lay-ee