This is based on a true story. Billie didn't delete himself. He and his friends used to show up at this bridge that was half collasped. They'd jump off it to swim in the river. On this day Billie didn't look before jumping. There was a log floating by, he hit his head on it. By the time his friends got to him he was already too far gone to save. As the dad said "Billie Joe didn't have a lick of sense". He should have looked before he lept.off the bridge. The dad was being cruel without realizing it by his reaction.
Three things makes this song really good, the mystery of the story, the insight into the careless meanness of her family and her stunning voice. The simpleness of the story hides its complexity. unforgettable.
I was serving in the Army in Vietnam when this was released and it struck a chord with me. I was in a hot and dusty region and it moved me with the chaos happening all around me. Great reaction!
"Ode to Billie Joe" won 3 Grammy's having being nominated for 8 Grammy Awards. She was just being signed to Capitol Records and they asked if she had a 'B' side for her 1st single 'Mississippi Delta'. She submitted 'Ode to Billy Joe' and after recording it they wisely choose it for the 'A' side instead.
Her voice is mesmerizing and SO hypnotic!! Her performance is so simple! For the lack of a better word!? She's a beautiful lady AND you hang on every word?? Great song !!!!
Bobby Gentry is an American singer-songwriter who was one of the first female artists to compose & produce her own material. A lot of her songs were stories. Her biggest hit was in 1967 with "Ode To Billy Joe". Other songs are "Mississippi Delta", "Fancy", "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", "I'll Never Fall In Love Again", "Sunday Mornin" (with Glen Campbell) etc.
This has to be one of the most beautiful and saddest songs I’ve heard. It is one of those songs that you have to listen to once in a while to feel the tone and the atmosphere of her voice, and the story.
This is right up your alley. You, above most, really understand and dissect lyrical structure and interpretation. This was a treat for me to watch, personally. Thanks bud!
Shon. Love your commentary, insight, intelligence and perspective on some of the greatest music ever written! Glad you have an open mind, and are eager to expand on your music library! Music is one of the most powerful entities in our lives......... and the world benefits from it's messages!
She is a smart talented woman. She grew tired of the music industry after about a decade of being at the top of the game, and essentially disappeared from the public eye over 40 years ago. She was a part owner of the Phoenix Suns for many years, she played Vegas, and she pretty much did it her own way. Her other big song which was more of a minor hit for her, is Fancy, which Reba McEntire turned into a signature song and hit for herself.
You got the ear for great music,I love that you cover every genre,looking to learn all the time. Keep up the discovery ,I’m 70 , I’ve heard some great music in my day
FAIRDINKUM SHON! Your observations are SO profound! Hope I used the right word there. Yeah, you are always hitting the nail dead centre. Love your work, keep it up professor!
This album is incredible. My favorite song after this is The Cotton Patch, another genius storytelling song, it cracks me up every time. So sassy and awesome!
Many people think they threw a ring off the bridge, but I am one of those who think it might have been a baby - in fact nobody knows what was in the writer's head when they wrote the lyrics, as they never confirmed or denied anything.
I would guess a miscarriage/stillborn, well before it would have been noticed by her family. I doubt that they would BOTH throw a ring from a bridge. I also doubt that the preacher would have bothered to mention an object as small as a ring being thrown from a bridge, unless he knew that it was indeed a ring. But it’s a song, so who knows.
Amazing song, love her too. For lyrics and story telling, check out Bob Dylan received the Nobel Prize for literature for his lyrics, huge canon of work available
I like to think that it was flowers they were throwing off the bridge. Just two teens in love, dropping flowers down into the water and watching them drift away, from that town, that life. Later, she is paying homage to their dream.
The urban legend is the song is about the girl and Billy Joe throwing their baby off the bridge, then later Billy Joe committed suicide out of despair. Not been confirmed though
The song is intended to be about the thoughtless cruelty that can exist in a family. Even the singer herself speaks callously of her mother's grief after her father's death.
You need to react to Jeannie C. Riley the song "HARPER VALLEY PTA" It's a similar era and a similar type song as , Ole to Billie Joe You'll dig it Shon , 🎯💯🔥💪🏾✌🏼
I enjoyed your reaction! And I agree, that singers who perform songs they’ve written are especially moving. Her accent and how she controls her breath really add to the feeling of a hot dusty Delta day. May I ask why you don’t wear a shirt? I don’t mind but wondered. Keep discovering the old classics and enjoy!
💙 some associate song with the murder of Emmett Till, 1955, whose body was found in Tallahatchie River, many believe he was thrown off the Tallahatchie Bridge, I always wondered if Billy Joe jumped? Was it suicide? Either way- the casual cruelty at the dinner table- ouch. Nice reaction! Like that you brought up her writing 😁. Not my usual cup of tea either, but like this & her song Fancy, 1969? Thanks!
Bobbie was married to musician Jim Stafford for a while but after they divorced she married a millionaire businessman in Mississippi and dropped out of the scene.
You should react to her song Fancy she is the original singer to Fancy not Reba Macintyre Bobbie Gentry Fancy it's not a true story but there is a movie based on this song Ode to billie joe
Please,..! All musicians look back at the history of string instruments in music history 70,Yrs,pop rock n roll alternative!., please bring them back!..,I'm talking pop cultures,jazz blues rock late 40's on!
She studied Philosophy,this song is about indifference to suicide, unconscious cruelty we all do it😢
This is based on a true story. Billie didn't delete himself. He and his friends used to show up at this bridge that was half collasped. They'd jump off it to swim in the river. On this day Billie didn't look before jumping. There was a log floating by, he hit his head on it. By the time his friends got to him he was already too far gone to save. As the dad said "Billie Joe didn't have a lick of sense". He should have looked before he lept.off the bridge. The dad was being cruel without realizing it by his reaction.
Three things makes this song really good, the mystery of the story, the insight into the careless meanness of
her family and her stunning voice. The simpleness of the story hides its complexity. unforgettable.
I was serving in the Army in Vietnam when this was released and it struck a chord with me. I was in a hot and dusty region and it moved me with the chaos happening all around me. Great reaction!
Thank you for your service!
"Ode to Billie Joe" won 3 Grammy's having being nominated for 8 Grammy Awards. She was just being signed to Capitol Records and they asked if she had a 'B' side for her 1st single 'Mississippi Delta'. She submitted 'Ode to Billy Joe' and after recording it they wisely choose it for the 'A' side instead.
ruclips.net/video/HzSgdNjZB9w/видео.htmlfeature=shared
Windows are rolled down Amos Lee!
So was she and Billy Joe throwing a miscarriages baby off the bridge?
Her voice is mesmerizing and SO hypnotic!! Her performance is so simple!
For the lack of a better word!? She's a beautiful lady AND you hang on every word?? Great song !!!!
Fun fact: When she
wrote the song she was hoping Lou Rawls would record
it. She also wrote FANCY. Reba McIntyre had a huge hit with it.
Such a mysterious, haunting song & Bobbie Gentry sings so beautifully.
In 1976, they made a movie, "Ode to Billy Joe." All about this story.
I remember watching it on The Late Late Show.
Robby Benson played Billy Joe. That movie made me cry when it came out.
I can not tell you how happy I am that young ones like you are still listening to this sing!!
Bobby Gentry is an American singer-songwriter who was one of the first female artists to compose & produce her own material. A lot of her songs were stories. Her biggest hit was in 1967 with "Ode To Billy Joe". Other songs are "Mississippi Delta", "Fancy", "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head", "I'll Never Fall In Love Again", "Sunday Mornin" (with Glen Campbell) etc.
I was born in 1968 & fell in love with Bobby Gentry as a child. Talented & Gorgeous!!!
Me too!
Born in 62 and yes, she had quite a lot of young men fans
The musical question of all time: WHAT WAS THAT SOMETHING THROWN OFF OF THE BRIDGE?
I think it was her baby. I’ve watched the movie, it made me BAWL 😢 I own it still.
I love your reaction, how you recognized the greatness of a multitalented artist
This would play on the radio when I was a kid. I can't compare this one to anything else.
Love her story telling great song, thank you Shon.
you have become my favorite reactor and it makes me happy to watch your videos each time that you do....🌸
Imagine sitting by the radio and hearing it when it was released. Every time this song came on the house got quiet. Every. Time.
One of the best Southern songs ever. I've had this LP since it came out. 😎
This has to be one of the most beautiful and saddest songs I’ve heard. It is one of those songs that you have to listen to once in a while to feel the tone and the atmosphere of her voice, and the story.
I love how much you appreciate music.
Nicely played Brother 👍👍 Spread the love 🐶😎🇺🇸
It's so nice to see how young folk like yourself appreciate music from my era. Keep searching for these oldies but goodies. 🥰
Shawn....love your reactions so much. You are so real man
..
She was from my music era and we all loved her music. Not many song writers like her. Thanks for sharing and comments!
Deep old Southern Gothic.
Great storytelling!
People have debated what she and Billy Joe threw off that bridge. Bobbie would like people to draw their own conclusions.
I always wondered too.
In the movie, he was m@lested or r@ped by a male coach.
This is right up your alley. You, above most, really understand and dissect lyrical structure and interpretation. This was a treat for me to watch, personally. Thanks bud!
It’s all in the sixties and seventies , it really is 🤓 stay there and learn about good music !
She always captivated me. Dad's side is from the South, she is the absolute real deal.
She has such great style and so attractive and tone is perfect for this!
I love watching your face when she said he jumped off the bridge . Love this song
As someone from Chickasaw County Mississippi where she was born, we love her❤
You nailed this reaction, brother. Thank you. May a part of it always remain in your brain and heart - one small sliver of Americana.
Excellent song man! I had forgotten about this little jewel! I love the way you ain’t afraid to showcase all kinds of music! Keep it going bruh!! 😎
Love this one! I requested this from you when I first found your channel! So glad you enjoyed it. Hauntingly beautiful!
They call this genre of music, "Southern Gothic" and holy hell, it fits its name.
I haven't heard this song in years! I teared up😢
Great ballad❤❤❤
hauntingly beautiful classic! ♥
Shon.
Love your commentary, insight, intelligence and perspective on some of the greatest music ever written! Glad you have an open mind, and are eager to expand on your music library! Music is one of the most powerful entities in our lives......... and the world benefits from it's messages!
The TV movie starring Robbie Benson was about everything that happened in the song.
A stunning song - her voice is so unique. I adore her track MORNIN' GLORY too. A beautiful uplifting track
One of my favourite songs and singer when I was a teenager.
One of most favorite songs!!
She is a smart talented woman. She grew tired of the music industry after about a decade of being at the top of the game, and essentially disappeared from the public eye over 40 years ago. She was a part owner of the Phoenix Suns for many years, she played Vegas, and she pretty much did it her own way. Her other big song which was more of a minor hit for her, is Fancy, which Reba McEntire turned into a signature song and hit for herself.
You got the ear for great music,I love that you cover every genre,looking to learn all the time. Keep up the discovery ,I’m 70 , I’ve heard some great music in my day
My first time listening to your reactions…loved it…I subscribed 😊
Storytelling at its best, great reaction
Really enjoying your reactions thank you. I have always loved this song, I was 17 when it came out so it’s a trip down memory lane. ❤️🇦🇺
Iconic
Like your reactions, bro. RESPECT
And keep it up man!
They made a movie about this song
FAIRDINKUM SHON!
Your observations are SO profound! Hope I used the right word there.
Yeah, you are always hitting the nail dead centre.
Love your work, keep it up professor!
KC and Sunshine Band. "GET DOWN TONIGHT " THAT'S THE I LIKE IT" " PLEASE DON'T GO"
GET READY TO JAM , MAN !!!
Thank you thank you thank you finally going to do it thank you thank you thank you thank you for your help shadow
Always love your reactions. keep it up🙂
Her performance of her version of “Fancy” that was covered by Reba is a showstopper!
She also , was part owner of the Phoenix Suns, from the beginning, and wrote and sung, Fancy, that Reba McIntyre made popular
It's GOOD!!!!
Shon, I loved your reaction to this song. Thank you for your review.
Thankyou for appreciating this song ❤
It was also what inspired Dylan to write “Clothesline Saga”, which was first titled “Answer to Ode”.
Her and a guitar live no gimmicks. Great storytelling
Southern gothic through and through... Those strings in the background just add that twinge of chaos in the otherwise mundane. Perfection.
This album is incredible. My favorite song after this is The Cotton Patch, another genius storytelling song, it cracks me up every time. So sassy and awesome!
Love your reaction to this song.
Many people think they threw a ring off the bridge, but I am one of those who think it might have been a baby - in fact nobody knows what was in the writer's head when they wrote the lyrics, as they never confirmed or denied anything.
It was a baby
I would guess a miscarriage/stillborn, well before it would have been noticed by her family. I doubt that they would BOTH throw a ring from a bridge. I also doubt that the preacher would have bothered to mention an object as small as a ring being thrown from a bridge, unless he knew that it was indeed a ring. But it’s a song, so who knows.
@@loydingle7088 I grew up picturing it to be a baby as well.
I’ve always thought it was a baby.
It was a doll
Amazing song, love her too. For lyrics and story telling, check out Bob Dylan received the Nobel Prize for literature for his lyrics, huge canon of work available
I of my favorite songs 🎵
Oh Snap!!!!!!!
I like to think that it was flowers they were throwing off the bridge. Just two teens in love, dropping flowers down into the water and watching them drift away, from that town, that life. Later, she is paying homage to their dream.
The urban legend is the song is about the girl and Billy Joe throwing their baby off the bridge, then later Billy Joe committed suicide out of despair. Not been confirmed though
Bobby Gentry wrote Fancy . The song Reba McEntire made her signature.#peaceandstaywild
The song is intended to be about the thoughtless cruelty that can exist in a family. Even the singer herself speaks callously of her mother's grief after her father's death.
You need to react to
Jeannie C. Riley the song
"HARPER VALLEY PTA"
It's a similar era and a similar type song as , Ole to Billie Joe
You'll dig it Shon , 🎯💯🔥💪🏾✌🏼
I always assumed that what was “thrown off the bridge was their innocence” metaphorically. Crazy Bible Belt.
Robbie Benson, and Glynnis O'Connor were in the movie....Ode To Billie Joe.
I enjoyed your reaction! And I agree, that singers who perform songs they’ve written are especially moving. Her accent and how she controls her breath really add to the feeling of a hot dusty Delta day.
May I ask why you don’t wear a shirt? I don’t mind but wondered.
Keep discovering the old classics and enjoy!
She makes you feel like you are right there at the family dinner table.
Thank you for doing!
Shon, my Friend!!
Expand 👏 Expand 👏 Expand your Bobby Gentry listening, please.
This Woman gets Funky!! Downright Funky!
Love your reactions. One of the best one hit wonders was by The Buoys entitled Timothy, it's about what happens when you get trapped in a mine.
good job !!
The universal question is what did they throw off the bridge. ❤
Jolene - I heard it was a baby. Is that the theory you heard?
This is pretty heavy.
I'm from 1968. I am starting to feel old.
💙 some associate song with the murder of Emmett Till, 1955, whose body was found in Tallahatchie River, many believe he was thrown off the Tallahatchie Bridge, I always wondered if Billy Joe jumped? Was it suicide? Either way- the casual cruelty at the dinner table- ouch. Nice reaction! Like that you brought up her writing 😁. Not my usual cup of tea either, but like this & her song Fancy, 1969? Thanks!
MY DAD WAS SO IN LOVE WITH HER
🤗❣️🤗
Bobbie was married to musician Jim Stafford for a while but after they divorced she married a millionaire businessman in Mississippi and dropped out of the scene.
❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥
Please react to "Fancy" by Bobbie Gentry
You should react to her song Fancy she is the original singer to Fancy not Reba Macintyre Bobbie Gentry Fancy it's not a true story but there is a movie based on this song Ode to billie joe
Welcome to the wormhole ❤
She came from the Holler. I did and speak the language lol it kinda has a Native American presence and all the word references to places.
There's a movie made from this song, I think early to mid 80s.
I remember hearing this on the radio while riding with my mom in the car when I was a child ! AM radio !!!
Please,..! All musicians look back at the history of string instruments in music history 70,Yrs,pop rock n roll alternative!., please bring them back!..,I'm talking pop cultures,jazz blues rock late 40's on!
She is sufferring over the news of the death of her friend. The family goes about their dinnner and lives while she grieves.
Bro, I'd love if you did New Order "Regret". Much love Shon!
Watch the movie Ode to Billy Joe....it helps to see people places.❤