About the song
“Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)” is a seminal work by Jimmie Rodgers, an influential figure in American music whose contributions helped shape the country genre. Recorded on November 30, 1927, and released on February 3, 1928, by the Victor Talking Machine Company, this track is often referred to simply as “Blue Yodel” or “T for Texas.” It marked the beginning of Rodgers’s series of “Blue Yodels,” a unique blend of blues and yodeling that showcased his distinctive style.
The song is renowned for its traditional blues structure and Rodgers’s skillful use of yodeling, which he employed during the breaks between stanzas. The blend of these elements gave the song its memorable character and contributed to its status as Rodgers’s best-selling record. “Blue Yodel” became a signature piece in Rodgers’s performances and played a significant role in earning him national fame. By the time of its release, Rodgers had already gained recognition for his innovative style, and this song solidified his reputation as “America’s Blue Yodeler.”
Rodgers composed “Blue Yodel” by integrating original lyrics with lines from various traditional and roadshow songs. The composition features a classic blues AAB pattern and a slowed-down ragtime rhythm, which, combined with his yodeling and guitar work, created a unique sound that captivated audiences. The song’s narrative follows a character who boasts of his ability to attract women and seeks revenge on his unfaithful lover, Thelma. This blend of bravado and storytelling resonated with listeners and set the stage for Rodgers’s subsequent success.
The track’s influence extended far beyond its initial release. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and added to the National Recording Registry, reflecting its lasting impact on American music. The song’s legacy is evident in its numerous covers and adaptations by artists across various genres. Notably, it inspired figures like Johnny Cash and George Harrison, and it remains a favorite among country musicians, including Lynyrd Skynyrd and Grandpa Jones.
“Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)” is celebrated not only for its artistic achievement but also for its role in establishing Jimmie Rodgers as a pioneering force in country music. Its enduring popularity and influence underscore the song’s significance in the evolution of the genre and its continued relevance in American music history.
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Lyrics
T for Texas
T for Tennessee
T for Tennessee
T for Thelma
That gal that made a wreck out of meIf you don’t want me mama
You sure don’t have to stall
You sure don’t have to stall
‘Cause I can get more women
Than a passenger train can haulI’m gonna buy me a pistol
Just as long as I’m tall
Just as long as I’m tall
I’m gonna shoot poor Thelma
Just to see her jump and fallI’m goin’ where the water
Drinks like cherry wine
Drinks like cherry wine
‘Cause this Georgia water
Tastes like turpentineI’m gonna buy me a shotgun
With a great long shiny barrel
With a great long shiny barrel
I’m gonna shoot that rounder
That stole away my gal‘Druther drink muddy water
Sleep in a holler log
Sleep in a holler log
Than to be in Atlanta
Treated like a dirty dog