I love the lyrics to this song. So much mystery! There are at least ten different interpretations of this haunting song. I personally think it's a very strong statement about abortion. However, the movie's take on this song is about the stigma of being gay - not abortion.
What's your thoughts on the matter? At any rate, I sure do wish Bobbie Gentry had recorded more music. She had a genuine story teller's gift that is rarely found in popular music. And that voice!
Love this song!
ReplyDeleteYes, it is timeless (in more ways than one).
DeleteBobbie Gentry is fantastic and it's a shame that she didn't do more recordings. She had far more talent than many of the other singers who are notoriously famous.
ReplyDeleteSince this song was written before the film came out, I tend to agree that it had to do with abortion (a discarded baby...). In the movie it is clear why Billy Joe jumped off the bridge (guilt about having sex with another man).
This is such a haunting song, and I think its popularity is largely due to the fact that there can be many interpretations.
Jon, I was only a wee lad when I first heard this song, so I had no idea what the lyrics meant. I only know I always stopped to listen to it when it was playing on the radio.
DeleteI was a young teen when I saw the movie, and was sort of clueless about the plot. But I was able to understand the lyrics better: Tragedy, a sense of shame, small town hypocrisy, and a young woman's great sadness about it all.
I tried to find the movie on YouTube, but no dice! After all these years I'd really like to see it again.
I agree with Jon. In the era the song was written, abortion was the unforgivable sin that was finally being discussed. Homosexuality hadn't reached that "high point" yet and was still a subject not mentioned. Joe and I were deep in discussion tonight in regards to how gays were horrendously treated, leaving suicide the only answer in many situation and how obscene the public's opinion can be. We're relived times have eased a bit. There was also a time when being Irish was cause to be rejected. Evolution happens too slowly and we still have too many neanderthals deciding who and what is "acceptable".
ReplyDeleteHer work has stood the test of time. Ode to Billie Joe has sold over 50 million copies on over 150 covers. Her other great story song, Fancy, has sold over 20 million copies on over a dozen covers. Even late jazz master pianist, Bill Evan, immortalized her composition, Mornin' Glory, on his album, Live In Tokyo. Over 20 of her compositions were covered by other artists.
ReplyDeleteThanks for dropping by, Daniel! "Fancy" was mentioned on Bobbie Gentry's Wikipedia page, but I've yet to hear it. I'll be sure and look for the song on YouTube. Thank Zeus for the internet!
DeleteHey Dylan, its been ages since I've heard this song. Not many balladeers around anymore. Too bad really since popular music doesn't compare for the most part.
ReplyDeleteHey Whisper Mist:
DeleteI totally agree with you about most popular music. I do like Natalie Merchant big time, but she is the exception.
My music collection consists of talented folks like Harry Chapin, Joni Mitchell, Janis Ian, Jim Croce, Tracy Chapman, Patti Smith, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, John Lennon, Bobbie Gentry, etc.
I think most younger people today have little regard for great lyrics when it comes to music. This somehow seems very sad to me.
Tracy Chapman!? I thought I was the only one who even knew her! Jim Croce? I've landed in music nirvana!! Tom Waits? Be still my heart.
DeleteBobbie Gentry fans should all own a copy of her masterpiece album, The Delta Sweete. Hailed by Mojo magazine as one of the top 500 albums of all time in 2000, it is a superb slice of the sounds and textures of the Mississippi Delta. There is a stunning piece of poetry(Refractions) on the album that moves me every time I hear it. The album was re-released on digital formats in 2006. Bobbie had a great attitude when the album only chugged to# 111 on the top 200 album chart. She told Rolling Stone" Nobody bought it, but I didn't loose sleep over it" " I never try to pre-judge public taste"
ReplyDeleteLove the quote. She sounds so down to earth. Wish I could have heard her in concert.
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