Billy Bayou
Kitty Wells · Kitty Wells Sings Songs Made Famous by Jim Reeves [1966]
Back about eighteen hundred and some
A Louisiana couple had a red headed son
No name soothe him Jim, Jack or Joe
They just called him Billy Bayou.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
You're walkin' on quick sand and walk slow
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what you say
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days.
--- Instrumental ---
Billy was a boy, kinda big for a size
Red hair and freckles and big blue eyes
Thirteen years from the day he was born
Bill fought the battle of the Little Big Horn.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
You're walkin' on quick sand and walk slow
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what you say
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days.
--- Instrumental ---
One sad day Billy cried, hoho
I can whip the feathers of Geronimo
He smarted off, the chief got mad
This nearly ended our Louisiana lad.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
You're walkin' on quick sand and walk slow
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what you say
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days.
--- Instrumental ---
One day in 1878 a pretty girl
Walked through Billy's front gate
He didn't know whether to stand there or run
He would up married cause he did neighter one.
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch where you go
You're walkin' on quick sand and walk slow
Billy, Billy Bayou, watch what you say
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days.
A pretty girl'll get you one of these days...
Billy Bayou
Kitty Wells' 1966 recording of 'Billy Bayou' stands as a pivotal moment in country music history, marking her transition from a pure country star to a versatile interpreter of pop standards. Originally a hit for Jim Reeves, Wells' version brought a distinct Southern drawl and emotional depth to the song, cementing her reputation as a master of vocal nuance. Released on her album 'Kitty Wells Sings Songs Made Famous by Jim Reeves,' the track exemplifies her ability to adapt material across genres while maintaining her signature storytelling style. This recording remains a celebrated example of mid-1960s country-pop crossover, showcasing Wells' enduring influence and technical skill as one of the era's most respected vocalists.