Voted #412 in Rolling Stone Magazine's top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, here's a story and a half from Ms Bobbi Gentry.....
There has been much speculation about what it was that was thrown of the Tallahatchie Bridge, my own 70s brain, boggled to the consistency of jello by a diet of Top Cat, Scooby Doo and The Double Deckers decided that they threw A BABY off the Bridge. I *know* SO Jerry Springer of me.
But there are other, less macabre, suggestions such as a wedding ring, Billy-Joe's draft card or even an LSD bottle. Bobbi Gentry said that even SHE didn't know what it was!
But there are other, less macabre, suggestions such as a wedding ring, Billy-Joe's draft card or even an LSD bottle. Bobbi Gentry said that even SHE didn't know what it was!
What do you think it was the two young people threw into the deep waters below? Would it depend on the two Court Cards doing the chucking? If Billy Joe is a troubled King of Cups, would he fling himself into oblivion at the thought of going off to war? Would a Queen of Wands with dreams of a bright future fling an unwanted child off it? What would the Page of Cups and the Page of Pentacles not want anyone to know about?!
Clearly defined characters abound in this song - from the family casually discussing Billy-Joe's death in the same breath as 'pass the pumpkin pie'.... to how Ma deteriorates after Daddy dies after an illness.
I believe in leaving you something INSANELY cheeful for the weekend. Not. :-D
I believe in leaving you something INSANELY cheeful for the weekend. Not. :-D
Have a great weekend!