To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=220
65 messages

Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon

25 Nov 96 - 11:02 AM (#546)
Subject: jolie blon lyrics?
From: Richard Mende

Hi

Does anyone know if there are lyrics to the Cajun song Jolie Blon?

And, if there are, what are they?

Many thanks.

Richard Mende :-) ramende@venus.cambrianc.on.ca


27 Nov 96 - 10:58 AM (#586)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: Bill Day

I know someone who sings it...will see if I can get it if no othere sources show up.....here are recordings

Jolie Blon(de)

1.Balfa, Dewey; & Friends. Fait A La Main (Homemade), Swallow CAS 6063, cut# 3 2.Balfa Brothers. New York Concerts, Swallow LP 6037, cut# 1 3.Choates, Harry. Original Cajun Fiddle of Harry Choates, D D-7000, cut# 1 4.Harmony Sisters. Harmony Pie, Flying Fish FF-248, cut# 13b


28 Nov 96 - 06:46 AM (#594)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From:

>>>>> I know someone who sings it...will see if I can get it if no other sources show up..... <<<<<

Thanks, Bill. I know the melody, but I need the lyrics. Richard :-)


02 Sep 01 - 04:49 PM (#540391)
Subject: Lyr Add: JOLIE BLONDE (Amade Breaux)
From: George Seto - af221@chebucto.ns.ca

Jolie Blonde
Amade Breaux

In French:
 
Jolie blonde, regardez donc quoi t'as fait,
Tu m'as quitte pour t'en aller,
Pour T'en aller avec un autre, oui, que moi,
Quel espoir et quel avenir, mais, moi, je vais avoir?
 
Jolie blonde, tu m'as laisse, moi tout seul,
Pour t'en aller chez ta famille.
Si t'aurais pas ecoute tos les conseils de les autres
tu serait ici-t-avec moi aujourd 'hui
 
Jolie blonde, tu croyais il y avait just toi,
Il y a pas just toi dans le pays pour moi aimer.
Je peux trouver just une autre jolie blonde,
Bon Dieu sait, moi, j'ai un tas.
 
In English
 
Pretty blond, look at what you've done,
You left me to go away,
to go away with another, yes, than me,
What hope and what future am I going to have?
 
Pretty blond, you've left me all alone
To go back to your family.
If you had not listened to all the advice of the others
You would be here with me today.
 
Pretty blond, you thought there as just you,
There is not just you in the land to love me.
I can find another pretty blond,
Good God knows, I have a lot.


02 Sep 01 - 07:33 PM (#540468)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: kendall

Roy Acuff used to sing another song with the same title.


02 Sep 01 - 08:22 PM (#540490)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)

Blonde should be translated as blonde (blond is masculine in English)


02 Sep 01 - 08:39 PM (#540496)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: Sorcha

I've got somebody on tape singing it, can't remember who, but I think there is a line in it that says:
"Come ce va, Jole Blon, coming to buy a cuppa coffee" I never did decipher all the lyrics.


02 Sep 01 - 09:06 PM (#540508)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: marty D

Jimmy C. Newman sang this on the Grand Ol' Opry TV show just a few weeks ago. Is it possible that Hank Williams recorded it? I seem to have a memory of him singing it.

marty


02 Sep 01 - 09:27 PM (#540518)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)

I think there are quite a few variants to Breaux' words. Zydeco performers often mix in English words, as I am sure the Nashvillians and Bransonians do as well. But who is Jolie Blon? Any relation to Jolie Blonde?


02 Sep 01 - 10:20 PM (#540533)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: Stewie

Dico, the version that had most commercial impact on country music was Harry Choates' and he recorded it as 'Jolie Blon' - that is probably where it came in. It is interesting that, in his note to the Hackberry Ramblers 1936 recording of 'Jolie Blonde', reissued on 'Le Gran Mamou: A Cajun Music Anthology Vol 1' Country Music Foundation, Charlie Seemann of the CMF does not actually credit the song to Breaux. He notes simply that an earlier version of the song had been recorded by the Breaux family as 'Ma Blonde Est Partie' and by Leo Soileau as 'La Valse de Gueydan'.

--Stewie.


02 Sep 01 - 10:43 PM (#540541)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: Dicho (Frank Staplin)

cajunradio.org say the first recording was done in 1928 by Amadie Breaux and his brother and sister, "Ma Blonde est Partie" and later reissued in "Louisiana Cajun Music vol. 5, 1928-1938", Old Timey Records. I haven't checked to see if this ever made it to cd. The discussion is by Clarence, of the Cajun and Zydeco Record Guide. Stewie, You may be right about Choate, I don't recall the versions I first heard.


02 Sep 01 - 11:26 PM (#540557)
Subject: RE: lyrics to jolie blon
From: Stewie

Dicho, I have the Old Timey LP that you cite but, as far as I am aware, Strachwitz has reissued very little on to CD from those wonderful Old Timey cajun sets. The only CD reissue of early cajun stringbands from him seems to be 'Cajun String Bands: The 1930s, Cajun Breakdown' Arhoolie/Folk Lyric CD 7014. Strangely, the Harry Choates 'Jolie Blon', a hit for him on Gold Star in 1946 and based on the Breaux, Soileau and Hackberry Ramblers recordings, does not appear on either of the available CDs of his work.

Looking further on the bookshelf, John Broven in his 'South to Louisiana: The Music of the Bayous' Pelican Publishing Gretna 1983 confirms that Choates' 1946 recording was indeed when 'Jolie Blonde' became 'Jolie Blon'(p 30). In contrast to Seemann, Broven does credit composition to Breaux - although it looks to me as if he too is leaving open a window of doubt: 'Accordianist Amidie is said to have written the song ['Ma Blonde Est Partie] about his first wife' (Broven p 18)

--Stewie.


14 Dec 07 - 01:19 PM (#2215338)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: GUEST,mack

if you want to hear the most beautiful version of jole blon(pretty blonde), get yourself a copy of moon mullican singing it while he plays the piano. it's from the 40's so dig deep


14 Dec 07 - 05:34 PM (#2215507)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: Melissa

I think the lyrics I have call it "Jole Blon" and they aren't like the ones posted above, and I probably got them from Cowpie. If they aren't posted by the time we get a thaw here (they're frozen in the trunk of my car) I'll share them.


14 Dec 07 - 06:18 PM (#2215548)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: GUEST,mack

that would be really nice, my dad used to play that song back when i was just a kid, i'm 51 now and still love to hear it .my memory of some of the lyrics by mullican went something like
                         jole blon.......... louisiana.... on the bayou in the moonlight

                         jole blon...watch out baby .... with your blue eyes and smiling face..............and i remember that com se va part too. any way i sure wish i could hear it again


14 Dec 07 - 06:39 PM (#2215562)
Subject: Lyr/Chords Add: JOLE BLON (from Roy Acuff)
From: Melissa

Apparently, the 'com se va' part wasn't in Roy Acuff's version..

Recorded by Roy Acuff, Jan. 28, 1947. Columbia 37287

          JOLE BLON

(G) In the (C) evening, in the (G) shadows,
I'll be (D7) waiting, in Louisi- (G) an - a,
And when I (C) hear your sweet voice,
I'll re- (G) joice, I'll be happy,
And (D7) saving my kisses for (G) you.


(G) Jole (C) Blon, Cajun (G) Angel,
Let me (D7) tell you how I (G) love you,
In the (C) springtime you promised,
That (G) we would be married,
And I'm (D7) waiting, still waiting for (G) you. (G7)


(C) Oh - - ho - - (G) ho, (D7) ah - - ha - - (G) ha.


(G) When your (C) hair turns to (G) silver,
I'll still (D7) call you, Delta (G) Flower,
Pretty (C) Blond I still love you,
I (G) love you I promise,
And I'm (D7) patiently waiting for (G) you. (G7)


(C) Oh - - ho - - (G) ho, (D7) ah - - ha - - (G) ha.


14 Dec 07 - 09:47 PM (#2215658)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: fumblefingers

Tried to send you an email ref this song, but it bounced.


14 Dec 07 - 10:23 PM (#2215688)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: Stewie

Mack, the Moon Mullican recording was available on 'The Unforgettable Moon Mullican Plays and Sings His Greatest Hits' Starday SLP 398. I don't know whether that album made it to CD.

--Stewie.


14 Dec 07 - 10:29 PM (#2215690)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: Stewie

Looking further, it is available on a '22 Greatest Hits' cheap CD on Amazon. Click Here.

--Stewie.


15 Dec 07 - 08:36 PM (#2216204)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: GUEST,pattyClink

I use to catch the radio show--I think it was called "Pas Patou" on my travels in Acadiana, and went to a few Cajun dance places where the song was de riguer. I recall that first line going "Jolie Blon, pretty girl"    Am I nuts?


15 Dec 07 - 08:59 PM (#2216215)
Subject: Lyr Add: JOLE BLON (Gary US Bonds & B Springsteen
From: Dave'sWife

Gary US Bonds did a cover version with bruce Springsteen on one of his early 1980's Springsteen produced albums, perhaps the first one? I have it on CD and their version is different but nice. it has an extra verse.

Jole Blon, Delta flower
You're my darling
You're my sunshine
I love you, I adore you
And I promise to be true

In the evening, in the shadows
I'll be waiting by the river
When I hear your sweet voice
I rejoice, I save my kisses for you

Sha la la, sha la la.....

Jole Blon, Cajun angel
Let me tell you that I love you
In the spring, you
Swore we'd be married
But I'm waiting still for you

When your hair turns to silver
I'll still call you Delta flower
Pretty Blon, I'll still love you
And I will wait for you

Sha la la, sha la la.....

We'll go away from this city
We'll go back, girl, back to our home
Some day I promise I'll take you
Cause so far away we've roamed

And the bells, they will ring
From the mountain through the valleys
On the banks of the river
There you will be my bride

Sha la la, sha la la.........


Their version is worth listening to because it changes the phrasing a little to be more compatible with a 1960's style of pre-beatle american Rock N Roll that Springsteen was going for on the 2 comeback albums he produced for Bonds.


15 Dec 07 - 09:02 PM (#2216216)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: Dave'sWife

I should have added that in the liner notes, the lyrics to the Gary YS Bonds/Bruce Springsteen version are credited to Moon Mullins. The arrangement is clearly Springsteens


16 Dec 07 - 01:31 PM (#2216569)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: Dead Horse

Various spellings and titles were given to many cajun songs, as cajun was not a written language taught in schools. Quite the reverse in fact, cajun was at that time banned in school, kids would get beat for even speaking it in the playground. Amedee Breaux first recorded this song, believed to have been written by his sister Cleoma (as Ma Blonde Est Partie). She played guitar, her other brother Ophy on violin and Joe Falcon on triangle. Joe later married Cleoma and they became the first to actually record cajun music on April 27th 1928 (Allons a Lafayette + The Waltz That Carried Me To My Grave) Joe on accordion, Cleoma on guitar and vocals.
Amedee Breaux recorded Ma Blonde Est Partie in Atlanta April 1929.
In many of the early recordings the titles of songs, and even the musicians names would quite often be mis-spelled owing to language diferences and the "relaxed" attitude of performers and recordists.
So you can spell "Jolie" and "Blonde" any ways ya like, hon. Makes no difrense ta ma old ears :-)


03 Feb 08 - 05:42 PM (#2252701)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: GUEST

Does anyone know where I can get a copy of the Harry Choates version of Jole Blon? Bubba


03 Feb 08 - 06:17 PM (#2252733)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: Peace

Try Here.


18 Apr 08 - 10:07 AM (#2319255)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: GUEST,Lee

Jole Blon
Anyway you sing it...it is a most beautiful song. the words ring so true to life


18 Apr 08 - 12:13 PM (#2319373)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: jolie blon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

George Seto posted the lyrics to "Jolie blonde" above, as written by Amédé Cléopha and Ophé Breaux, and performed on the first recording. Post by Dead Horse gives dates, and correctly notes that no two performers performed exactly the same.
The song is traditionally based, "Ma Blonde est partie," and the Breaux version is preserved on Amédé Breaux and the Breaux Brothers, "Louisiana Cajun Music, vol. 5: The Early Years," Old Timey.
"Musiciens cadiens et créoles - The Makers of Cajun Music," Barry Jean Ancelet, 1984, University of Texas Press. See esp. p. 22-25 of this fine survey, in both French and English.

In this or another thread, a prison relationship is suggested; this idea may come from the song, "Les Blues de la prison," composed by Amédé Ardoin.

One also thinks of the old Dennis McGee song, "Valse du vachez," the translation of which is:

Miserable woman, I'm taking my rope and my spurs
To go and see about my cattle.
My horse is saddled, it's so sad to see me
Going away all alone, my dearest.

(Malheureuse, j'attrape mon cable et mes éperons, etc.)


02 Mar 09 - 08:21 PM (#2579864)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,Brent

I like the Version by Vin Bruce, He was born and raised in Cut-Off Louisiana. Starts " Jole Blon, Jole babe, cher petite,Jole con... but i too would like to have the lyrics to look at.


03 Mar 09 - 03:28 AM (#2580044)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jolie Blon
From: jonm

Are there any decent source books or song books for cajun music, particularly lyrics?

I can take squeezebox parts from recordings, and my fiddler friend can do likewise with the fiddle parts, we just cannot transcribe the lyrics.

Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.


03 Mar 09 - 08:08 AM (#2580163)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jolie Blon
From: Bob the Postman

Hadacol has many mp3s and a few lyrics. I suspect there are links there either to more lyrics or to people who know where lyrics are.


19 Jul 10 - 08:29 PM (#2947972)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,james wade dawson

Heres a verse I use; jole blon, pretty lady...on my way to Louisiana... where the rice and the gravy and the wine drives you crazy...I could dance all nite long with jole blon....I forgot the other one I heard....


20 Jul 10 - 03:15 AM (#2948089)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jolie Blon
From: EBarnacle

Try a 90's group I heard in the Big Easy called Joli Blon and the Can't Hardly play boys. Had a real good evening listening to them.


20 Jul 10 - 07:15 AM (#2948174)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jolie Blon
From: Dead Horse

To my mind Jolie Blon (Blonde. Blond et al) comes a long long way behind Kaplan Waltz, Lovebridge Waltz or most other Cajun waltzes.
I just dont get why this tune is so popular.
Only version that I can remember in my head is the Nathan Abshire one.
A lot of versions are so way off from the original that it is only by the constant repetition of the phrase "Jolie Blon" that I can even guess at the title - its not that I dont like the tune, just that it doesnt pass the "old grey whistle test", whereas I can spot Waltz de Kaplan from 3 miles away.......:-)


16 Aug 10 - 03:33 PM (#2966577)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,Shayne Breaux

This is so interesting to me. Amadee was my Grandfather.


26 Aug 11 - 10:37 PM (#3213292)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,Rich

My sister (age 50) and I (age 40) also remember our father had an album with a distinct version of Jole Blon. The problem is there are SO many versions.
We remember these verses (some are wrong and I left those parts out- remembered as children). Can anyone identify this version?:
Jole Blon caught a fit, horse and buggy, pickin' cotton,........rice and gravy....and ?philly? gumpstump, com se va and a cup of coffee, and Jole Blon.....


27 Aug 11 - 04:35 PM (#3213616)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Dead Horse

Philly gumpstump could be a misheard File Gumbo?
Are you a French speaker Rich? If not I would guess that what you 'remember' was actually sung in Cajun french and you have transposed the nearest English words to the sounds you heard.
I have certainly not heard the lyrics you posted, but I am English and have only 'passed a good time' in La on very few occasions.


27 Aug 11 - 08:44 PM (#3213734)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST

Yes, definitely Cajun. File Gumbo I've heard in Hank Williams' "jambalaya" - also cajun derived song. Gumpstump I've heard in a few versions of Jolie Blon - Moon Mulligan sang similar lyrics to the ones we remember but not exact. I wonder if we heard one version of Moon Mulligan performing as he seemed to change lyrics. I typed my age wrong - 49. My sister (50)and I lost my father when we were 9 and 10. It's a very fond memory and we've been trying to find this version for quite some time.


27 Aug 11 - 08:53 PM (#3213739)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,Kaj

James Lee Burke, the author, makes several references to this song. In fact one of his novels is titled Jolie Blon's Bounce. Now I am quite certain that he claims Harry Choates wrote the song. I know he recorded it in 1948, but could he really be the composer and the lyrics writer?


28 Aug 11 - 06:18 AM (#3213886)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Sir Roger de Beverley

One of the most bizarre versions must be Waylon Jennings' first recording session produced by Buddy Holly with Holly on guitar and King Curtis on Sax. Nobody knew the words so it was worked out phonetically from an earlier record (don't know who by).

R


28 Aug 11 - 07:43 AM (#3213909)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Dead Horse

Cut and pasted from my earlier post:

Amedee Breaux first recorded this song, believed to have been written by his sister Cleoma (as Ma Blonde Est Partie). She played guitar, her other brother Ophy on violin and Joe Falcon on triangle. Joe later married Cleoma and they became the first to actually record cajun music on April 27th 1928 (Allons a Lafayette + The Waltz That Carried Me To My Grave) Joe on accordion, Cleoma on guitar and vocals.
Amedee Breaux recorded Ma Blonde Est Partie in Atlanta April 1929.

Cajuns tend to refer to a song as being 'made by' instead of using the words 'written by' or 'recorded by' which can be confusing to outsiders.


28 Feb 12 - 01:55 PM (#3314683)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST

I can find no one who evEr heard this "Jole Blon" song (and I know I didn't make it up) Would probably have been recorded in the 40's...all I can remember is: "Saturday night we'll go steppin'.....(something about the city) and then, "Sunday morning, riding church with Jole Blon. That's JOLE BLON" PLEASE HELP...I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YEARS!


07 Dec 12 - 04:01 AM (#3448457)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,Ron

I'm 52 and I remember a version when I was a kid that I loved. It went "Jolie Blon.. Pretty girl. Like a sayer from Louisiana. Where the rice and the gravy and the wine makes you crazy, you'll dance all night long with Jolie Blon. Ahhhhh Yiii! I loved that version but don't know where on earth to find it or who sang it. I do know that when they had a Cajun band in Canton TX, they would play that version and I always found some pretty girl to dance with. I wish there was someone out there that could solve this mystery for me. I'm pretty good at finding old songs I remembered but this one version of Jolie Blon has been quite elusive.


21 Nov 13 - 10:06 AM (#3577713)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,Michelle

There is a song we sang when I was little and it included the lyrics... Where the rice and the gravy and the wine make you crazy and we danced all night long to Jolie blon. Does anyone know what song that is?


11 Jun 14 - 02:26 AM (#3632078)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,ROBERT

I have 2 versions of the song 1 by VIN BRUCE (YOU CAN BUY IT OFF ITUNES) 1 by The Ragin' Cajun Doug Kershaw... I'd love to get just the lyrics by VIN BRUCE and I can't find them anywhere!


11 Jun 14 - 02:06 PM (#3632233)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,guest (Tracy)

Any or all of these above mentioned Cajun lyrics are good.... Dewey Balfa explained to me once that Cajuns sing what they feel fits their their emotions at the time. Any of us "Cous Rouges" (="red necks" - non Cajun speakers) have to memorize Cajun lyrics before singing "Jolie Blonde" or any Cajun song for that matter, but the most important thing is that "Jolie Blonde" is often considered the "Cajun national anthem" in South Louisiana, and they very much appreciate any efforts at playing their music.


04 Sep 14 - 04:55 AM (#3656834)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Joe Offer

Here's the Traditional Ballad Index entry on this song. It cites only one example, from Page 351 of Norm Cohen's American Folk Songs: A Regional Encyclopedia. The version in the Digital Tradition is a near-exact transcription of the version in Cohen. Cohen's notes say the song was first recorded in 1929 by Amedee Breaux, supposedly about one of his wives, but his stepson stated it was his sister and accompanist Cleoma Breaux who actually wrote the words.

Here are the Digital Tradition lyrics:

JOLIE BLONDE

Pretty blonde, look at what you've done
You left me to go
To go with another than me
What hope and what future can I have?

Pretty blonde, you left me all alone
To go back to your family
If you hadn't listened to the advice of the others
You'd be here with me today.

Pretty blonde, you thought you were the only one
You're not the only one in the world for me to love
I will find another pretty blonde
God knows, that I love so much.

Pretty blonde, to die would be nothing
It's just staying in the ground for a long time
I don't know what I'll do if you don't come back, baby
Come back to me in Louisiana.


JOLIE BLONDE
Traditional

Jolie Blonde, 'gardez donc, quoi t'as fait
Tu m'as quitte' pour t'en aller
Pour t'en aller avec un autre, oui, que moi
Quel espoir et quel av'nir mais moi je peux avoir?

Jolie blonde, tu m'as laisse' moi tout seul
Pour t'en aller chez ta famille
Si t'aurais pas ecoute' tous les conseils de les autres
Tu serais ici avec moi aujourd'hui.

Jolie blonde, tu croyais il y avait juste toi
Il y'a pas juste toi dans le pays pour moi aimer
Je va's trouver juste une autre jolie blonde
Bon Dieu sait, moi, j'aime tant.

Jolie blonde, mourir, ca serait pas rien
C'est de rester dans la terre aussi longtemps
Moi j'vois pas quoi faire si tu reviens pas, be'be'
T'en revenir avec moi dans la Louisiane.

@Cajun
filename[ JOLIBLON
TUNE FILE: JOLIBLON
CLICK TO PLAY
GG
apr97



And here's the Traditional Ballad Index entry:

Jolie Blonde

DESCRIPTION: Cajun French. "Jolie Blonde, 'gardez donc, quoi t'as fait...." The singer accuses his "pretty blonde" of running off with someone else, and asks what future he can have. He declares that he will find another pretty blonde -- then asks her to come back
AUTHOR: Amadee and/or Cleoma Breaux
EARLIEST DATE: 1929 (recording, Amadee Breaux et al)
KEYWORDS: foreignlanguage love separation
FOUND IN: US
REFERENCES (1 citation):
Cohen-AFS1, p. 351, "Ma Blonde Est Partie (Jolie Blonde)" (1 text)
File: CAFS1351

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography

The Ballad Index Copyright 2014 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.


04 Sep 14 - 07:28 PM (#3657104)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Joe Offer

I'm working on Rise Again, the second volume of the Rise Up Singing songbook. This is the version of "Jolie Blonde" that was proposed for the book. I'm not so hot on Cajun, but these lyrics don't sound like any of the recordings I found. Neither, though, do the Digital Tradition lyrics, which come from a Norm Cohen book. Anybody got a good, often-used version of the lyrics for this song?

Jolie Blonde

Jolie Blonde, jolie fille, tu m'a quitte pour t'en aller
T'en aller, jolie blonde avec un autre
comment tu crois que je vais faire a present

Jolie blonde, j'me suis saoule toute la nuit

tout ta nuit, jolie mom', avec les autres
comm' tu m'connais, ca m'fait du mal a jongler

Jolie blond', jollie fille, t'es partie, oui pour longtemps
N'aie pas peur, jolie mome, qu'j'sois dans le malheur
oh P'tit' fille, mais y'a pas qu'toi dans l'pays

Jolie blond', jolie fille, tu m'a quitte pour t'en aller



Taken from http://lyricstranslate.com/en/Cajun-Jolie-Blonde-lyrics.html#ixzz2x00g7sdW

Sept 6, 2014 - I found out this version traces its origins back to Harry Choates - but it's not completely the version Harry Choates sings, and I don't know where it comes from.


04 Sep 14 - 07:49 PM (#3657110)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Jeri

From http://www.springsteenlyrics.com/lyrics/j/joleblon_original.php:
        
JOLE BLON [Transcribed and researched by SpringsteenLyrics.com]
Original Breaux Frères version

Jolie Blonde, 'gardez donc, quoi t'as fait
Tu m'as quitté pour t'en aller
Pour t'en aller avec un autre, oui, que moi
Quel espoir et quel av'nir mais moi je peux avoir

Jolie blonde, tu m'as laissé moi tout seul
Pour t'en aller chez ta famille
Si t'aurais pas ecouté tous les conseils de les autres
Tu serais ici avec moi aujourd'hui

Jolie blonde, tu croyais il y avait juste toi
Il y'a pas juste toi dans le pays pour moi aimer
Je va's trouver juste une autre jolie blonde
Bon Dieu sait, moi, j'aime tant


Info

JOLE BLON is a traditional Cajun waltz. The earliest recording of the song is believed to be a 1928 version by the Atlanta, GA family trio Breaux Frères (Amadie Breaux, his brother Ophy Breaux, and his sister Cleoma Breaux) titled "Ma Blonde Est Partie", which translates to "My Blonde Is Gone". The song was released in 1973 on the various artists album Louisiana Cajun Music Vol. 5: The Early Years 1928-1938 (Old-Timey Records, catalogue # 114).


04 Sep 14 - 07:55 PM (#3657114)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Jeri

Which looks like the same thing George Seto contributed in 2001.

...and you posted earlier today.


05 Sep 14 - 12:50 AM (#3657151)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Joe Offer

Well, in this case, Jeri, your posting was very helpful. Your version matches the DT, but the DT has one more verse. George's version has a few differences. I think I'll suggest that Rise Again use the Digital Tradition/Norm Cohen version, unless some Cajun musician steps in and gives us something better. I think I'll see if I can get Poppagator to come back and comment.
-Joe-


05 Sep 14 - 06:01 AM (#3657230)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Joe Offer

Hey, in the process of this, I found a great Website, http://www.cajunlyrics.com/?lyrics=665

JOLIE BLONDE
(Hackberry Ramblers version)

Jolie Blonde, 'gardez donc, quoi t'as fait
Tu m'as quitté pour t'en aller
Pour t'en aller avec un autre, oui, que moi
Quel espoir et quel av'nir mais moi je peux avoir?
www.cajunlyrics.com
Jolie blonde, tu m'as quitté pour tout seul
Pour t'en aller chez ta famille
Si t'aurais pas écouté tous les conseils de les autres
Tu serais ici avec moi aujourd'hui.
www.cajunlyrics.com
Jolie blonde, tu croyais il y avait juste toi
Il y'a pas juste toi dans le pays pour moi aimer
Je va's trouver juste une autre jolie blonde
Bon Dieu sait, moi, j'aime tant.


05 Sep 14 - 07:03 PM (#3657572)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,PoppaGator

The version on Cajun Lyrics website is unassailably authentic because it's the Hackberry Ramblers version. That band has been together forever. My friend Ben Sandmel was their manager and drummer for several recent years while he was in his 40s & 50s while the rest of the group were in their 70s & 80s.
Ben recently published the definitive biography of New Orleans R&B icon Ernie K-Doe, incidentally. Can't mention his name without plugging his latest and greatest accomplishment.


06 Sep 14 - 06:17 PM (#3657935)
Subject: ADD Version: Jolie Blonde
From: Joe Offer

As Dead Horse wisely said somewhere,
    Most Louisiana artists have recorded this tune, and as far as I can tell, none have done it the same way, and rarely has anybody sung this, or any other cajun song the same way twice.
    It is quite the "done thing" to do your own version, and the lyrics are not that important. It is considered to be a dance tune, not a pop classic.


So far, I have found three basic (and radically different) versions of this song:

1. Jolie Blonde, 'gardez donc, quoi t'as fait
This one stems from the 1929 recording by Amadee Breaux, which is in the Digital Tradition. The Hackberry Ramblers recorded the first and third verses of this version in 1936.

2. Jolie Blonde, jolie fille, tu m'a quitte pour t'en aller
This one comes from the 1946 recording by Harry Choates, but I'm still looking for a good transcription of the Harry Choates version.

3. Hey Ma Jolie Blonde, /Tu m'as quitté pour t'en aller
I don't know where this one comes from, but this version seems to be the one that's most popular in recent recordings. It seems to be mostly the Breaux lyrics, starting the song with a long, loud "Hey.: "Nonc" (uncle) Allie Young is one performer who did this version. I still haven't found a transcription of this version that satisfies me.


Here's one example of this third version, from http://www.cajunlyrics.com/?lyrics=170.

JOLIE BLONDE
Kermit Venable and Beaubassin Cajun Band

Hey Ma Jolie Blonde,
Tu m'as quitté pour t'en aller
Pour t'en aller, dans les bras de tout les autres chère
Quel espoir et quel avoir que moi je peux avoir

Solo

Jolie Blonde, tu croyais y'avais juste toi
Y'a pas juste toi dedans l'pays pour moi aimer
Tu m'as quitté pour t'en aller,
Dans l'pays de la Louisiane Ma jolie Blonde

Tu m'as laissé pour t'en aller,
Pour t'en aller avec un autre
Quel espoir et quel avenir que moi j'peux avoir



And you really need to take a look at this page:Where else can you find a recording of Waylon Jennings singing "Jolie Blonde," accompanied by Buddy Holly?


06 Sep 14 - 06:22 PM (#3657936)
Subject: ADD: Where Are You Jolie Blonde
From: Joe Offer

I got a kick out of this one, found at http://www.cajunlyrics.com/?lyrics=1136

WHERE ARE YOU JOLIE BLONDE?
recorded by Johnnie Allan

La chanson plus populaire, dedans la Louisiane
La chanson, La chère jolie blonde
L'histoire d'une jeune fille, a quitte ses deux enfants
et sont mari pour s'en aller pour tout le temps

Jolie blonde c'est ayoù toi t'es
J'ai cherché pour toi cinquante années
J'après souhaiter t'attend ma chanson
Et t'en revenir dans ta maison dans la Louisiane

Solo

Ils croyaient un bon jour, elle aurait a revenue
Rester avec sont monde dans la campagne
Rencontrer les 'tits enfants, et tout profiter
Raconter sont histoire, z-ayoù elle à été

Jolie blonde c'est ayou toi t'es
J'ai cherché pour toi cinquante années
J'après souhaiter qu't'attend ma chanson
Et t'en revenir à la maison dans la Louisiane

Copyright :
© 1987 Swallow Records


06 Sep 14 - 07:44 PM (#3657948)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

Joe, the lyrics posted at the start of this thread by George Seto are the ones given in Musiciens cadiens et créoles, by Barry Jean Ancelet.

They are the lyrics of the first recording of "Jolie blonde" by Amédé, Cléopha and Ophé Breaux.

The translation is the one given by Ancelet.

Note the corrected spellings of the Breaux names. They are seldom given correctly.

Line 3- t'en, not T'en

The book is in both French and English (The Makers of Cajun Music). The University of Texas Press, 1984.


06 Sep 14 - 08:40 PM (#3657967)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Joe Offer

Gee, Q, are you going to make me buy another book? Your recommendations are always spot on, so thank you very much. You've led me to many books that I treasure.
This one cost me $3.47, with free shipping.

-Joe-


07 Sep 14 - 12:36 PM (#3658154)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Q (Frank Staplin)

"The Makers of Cajun Music- Musiciens cadiens et créoles" is devoted to the musicians current at the time of publication, 1984. It has some historical data, but that is not its main focus.
Helpful is a note on Cajun terminology.

The first recording of Jolie Blonde by the Breaux was called Ma blonde est partie. April 19, 1929. The lyrics actually were written by Améé's sister, Cléoma (Cléopha), according to her daughter.

The Discography in the book is based on collections that were available in 1984.

A good list, seems comprehensive, of the Louisiana and SE Texas Cajun musicians is in Wikipedia, "List of People Related to Cajun Music."


08 Nov 14 - 11:23 PM (#3675792)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,WF

By request:

"Jole Blon" by Harry Choates, 1946 on Goldstar (#1314)

Cajun French:

É ha ha!

Jolie blonde, jolie fille
Chère petite, jolie couer
Tu m'as laissé pour ton aller
Avec un autre, mais chère petite
Dans l'pays de la Louisiane
Mais malheureuse

Oh, mais jolie couer
Ca t'as fait à ton pauvre papa
Tu m'as laissé, mais, chère petite
Mais moi tout seule
Mais malheureuse
Quelle espoir, mais quelle avenir
Mais moi j'peux avoir?

É hé hé!
Oh ha ha!
Chère petite, jolie blonde
Mais ca t'as dit, ma malheureuse
Quoi t'as fait? Tu vas avoir
Tu serais pitié


English:

E ha ha!

Pretty blonde, pretty girl,
Dear little pretty heart,
You left me, went away,
With another, my dear,
Into the countryside of Louisiana,
Oh my! I'm miserable.

Oh, my pretty heart,
What you did to your poor papa,
You left me, but, my dear,
Oh my! I am all alone,
Oh my! I'm miserable,
What hope, what future can I have?

E heh heh!
Oh ha ha!
Dear pretty blonde
Oh my! I told you I'm unhappy
What did you do? Have mercy, would you?

Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv_JDow1I38


Read more at https://earlycajunmusic.blogspot.com

WF


08 Nov 14 - 11:26 PM (#3675793)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,WF

Small correction. In the second verse, what I meant to say is

"You left to go to your poor papa,"

WF


09 Nov 14 - 12:34 AM (#3675800)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Joe Offer

I'm not sure I follow you, WF. Is the second verse supposed to look like this?

    Oh, my pretty heart,
    You left to go to your poor papa,
    You left me, but, my dear,
    Oh my! I am all alone,
    Oh my! I'm miserable,
    What hope, what future can I have?


P.S. I need some help proofreading four Cajun songs for a volunteer project. If you can help, send me an e-mail.
Thanks.

-Joe Offer, Mudcat Music Editor-
joe@mudcat.org


09 Nov 14 - 03:55 AM (#3675830)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Monique

Some suggestions:
-it's cœur or coeur if you don't have the "œ", but not couer
-"ton" aller... "ton" is "your" (possessive), "to go"= t'en aller
-It's a guy singing, so it's "malheureux" "seul" in the masculine, "malheureuse" "seule" are about a woman.
-"quelle" avenir, "avenir" is a masculine word, so "quel avenir".
"Ça t'a fait à ton pauvre papa" puzzles me but it seems to me that it means "you did that to your poor daddy", lit. "That you did to your poor daddy" which makes the song sound as if it were the father complaining his daughter left him for "another man" (what?! some Œdipe thing here?) unless "daddy" is some pet name, not the actual father.


10 Nov 14 - 12:16 AM (#3676057)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,WF

I did the best i could with the 1946 version.

- Yes, it's 'cœur'.
- Yes, it's "t'en aller".
- Yes, however, i've never seen that masculine spelling used in Cajun lyrics before. However, the spelling is most likely "malheureux" and "seul".
- Yes, "quel avenir"
- Yes, it's a daughter. I missed the word "fille" at the end of the verse. Second verse, third line should read "m'as laissé, mais, chere tite fille,"   That would make sense for the line of "poor daddy".   The line should read "That you did to your poor daddy".

Thanks for these corrections. Very much appreciated.
WF


10 Nov 14 - 08:29 AM (#3676112)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: Monique

Yikes! I forgot "jolie" in "jolie cœur". It should be "joli" -cœur is a masculine word.


02 Jun 17 - 11:45 AM (#3858498)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST

Back in the mid-1980's I learned this version orally from a homeless street musician in Austin, who went by the name of "Fiddlin' Willie".
He said he learned it from his "Uncle Dewey" in Louisiana. I think he was referring to Dewey Balfo, although Willie's lyrics are a bit different.

(Note: I'm not a French speaker, the following lyrics are based on phonetic memory from playing it many times on the streets of Austin.)

Jolie Blon, jolie fille,
Jolie ma, ma chere petit.
La fleur du mon coeur, tu a mis mon coeur en feu,
Car vou et ma chere, Jolie Blon.

And his version of the English (probably not 100% literal):

Jolie Blon, pretty girl,
You're the flower of my heart.
You have set my heart on fire, and I've loved you from the start,
And I'll love you forever, Jolie Blon.


07 Oct 17 - 06:08 AM (#3880783)
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jole Blon / Jolie Blonde / Jolie Blon
From: GUEST,Guest

The possum up a gumstraw, cup of coffee, etc were from Moon Mullicans New Jole Blon which went to #2 on the C&W charts in 1946. His actual lyrics will probably never be known for sure unless someone can record the version on YouTube, slow it down, and get them that way. He changed them every live performance.

Mullican hated the fans and if you listen closely to a live performance you can hear him shout 'oh shatonia' and other deragatory terms.