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Gillian Welch - Tennessee Lyrics

Artist: Gillian Welch

Album: The Harrow & The Harvest

Genre: Country

I kissed you 'cause I've never been an angel
I learned to say hosannas on my knees
But they threw me out of Sunday school when I was nine
And the sisters said I did just as I pleased

Now even so I try to be a good girl
It's only what I want that makes me weak
I had no desire to be a child of sin
Then you went and pressed your whiskers to my cheek

Fi la lie lie
Fi la lie lee
Now let me go, my honey oh...
Back to Tennessee
It's beef steak when I'm workin'
Whiskey when I'm dry
And sweet Heaven when I die

Now I've tried drinking rye and gamblin'
Dancing with damnation is a ball
But of all the little ways I've found to hurt myself
Well, you might be my favorite one of all

Fi la lie lie
Fi la lie lee
Now let me go, my honey oh...
Back to Tennessee
It's beef steak when I'm workin'
Whiskey when I'm dry
And sweet Heaven when I die

Why can't I go and live the Life of Riley?
Why can't I go back home to apple pie?
'Cause your affront to my virtue was a touch too much
But you left a little twinkle in my eye

Fi la lie lie
Fi la lie lee
Now let me go, my honey oh...
Back to Tennessee
It's beef steak when I'm workin'
Whiskey when I'm dry
And sweet Heaven when I die

Now some will come confessin' of transgressions
Some will come confessin' of their love
You were there strumming on your gay guitar
You were tryin' to tell me something with your thumb

Fi la lie lie
Fi la lie lee
Now let me go, my honey oh...
Back to Tennessee
It's beef steak when I'm workin'
Whiskey when I'm dry
And sweet Heaven when I die
It's beef steak when I'm workin'
Whiskey when I'm dry
Sweet Heaven when I die
It's beef steak when I'm workin'
Whiskey when I'm dry
Sweet Heaven when I die


Add Song Meaning

  • Tom Holmes

    I think you're right.

  • Andy Thomas

    I think the line is -- Why can't I go and live the life of Reilly? -- I don't know the origin of the expression, but it means the good life or a life of ease.

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