FIRST TIME REACTION To Bobbie Gentry - Ode to Billy Joe

Comments · 74

• KA

  @karenmandeville7116 · 2 years ago

  a great song about unconcious cruelty. none of them realized he and the daughter were in  a relationship while they just talked crap about him and his death like he was nothing.

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• SA

  @SAM-dg3vd · 2 years ago (edited)

  She was also raised by her grandmama, who sold their milk cow to buy a piano for Bobbie, who taught herself to play (and then went on to learn multiple instruments). Bobbie Gentry also wrote and performed the original of "Fancy" (later covered by Reba McIntyre).  The song style is called Southern Gothic (how dark the song is). Also Bobbie stated that what they threw off the bridge was never the point of the song... it was how her family just casually tossed out the news that a neighbor boy took his own life and never noticed she was devastated.

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• KE

  @KevinRCarr · 2 years ago

  It's about a suicide(Billy Joe) and about the callous insensitivity of the family gathered around the dinner table talking about it and not noticing how deeply the teenage girl(the narrator/singer) is suffering from the shocking news of Billy Joe's suicide and her family's casual discussion of it.

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• DI

  @diannthomas5653 · 2 years ago

  Her delivery of this story is phenomenal. Great reaction

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• AM

  @amauryegazarain3890 · 1 year ago

  Country Music is about telling a story. This is one of the best!

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• BL

  @blastingweevil2968 · 2 years ago

  the song is about how numb we have become to death and it seems like it just a matter of fact.. no one realise the Girl in the Song is upset that her secret Boyfriend has died....

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• BU

  @buckdurant5336 · 2 years ago

  Southern Gothic.<br>Haunting.

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• JO

  @johndandrea8034 · 2 years ago

  This was a classic when I was growing up....Takes me back.

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• DA

  @DaTo-k1o · 2 years ago

  Bobbie was absolutely fearless. She will throw God in your face and not look back. &quot;Don&apos;t be like this, no matter your excuse&quot; was her mantra.

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• CH

  @chrisfrancis631 · 2 years ago

  So I felt led to tell you this story, I spent hours preparing a Bible lesson for a Wednesday night service years ago, and I only had three people show up. I had prepared a power point presentation and hauled the projector out and everything. I was so discouraged. I felt like quitting, but I have been in ministry now for 20 years. I still feel discouraged, but God has been faithful to build His kingdom. <br>I know it&apos;s difficult when people don&apos;t flock to truth, but will listen to a reaction like this. But keep going, it is after all for His Fame, not yours. God bless

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• WI

  @williambill5172 · 2 years ago

  My grandma always yelled out, &quot;I ain&apos;t feedin&apos; the flies!&quot;

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• GL

  @glennburch1081 · 2 years ago (edited)

  I remember when it released in 1967. I was in the back of my fathers 1963 Chevrolet station wagon (3-speed on the column) as he drove us to boys club football practice when the song completely removed me from my surroundings as it played on the car radio. Funny the things you remember. Ode to Billy Joe found air play across multiple genres, Rythym and Blues, Country, and Rock-N-Roll. It only took 5 weeks to chart to the top of The Billboards Pop Single Chart. The song was nominated for 8 Grammys and took 3 between Bobby Gentry and arranger Jimmie Haskell. Ode To Billy Joe made The Rolling Stones list &quot;&quot;500 Greatest Songs Of All Time&quot;. I never grow tired of listening to it, 57 years later and counting! &nbsp;Great reaction, TY.

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