Meaning of "Jockey Full Of Bourbon" by John Hammond

"Jockey Full Of Bourbon" by John Hammond is a song filled with surreal imagery and disjointed narrative, creating a sense of chaos and disorientation. The lyrics depict a world in which the narrator is lost and overwhelmed, drowning his troubles in bourbon and encountering various dangerous situations. The repetitive line "Hey little bird, fly away home, your house is on fire; your children all alone" suggests a sense of urgency and impending doom. It could be interpreted as a cry for escape or a plea for help.

The references to specific colors and objects, such as the "Dutch pink on a downtown train" and the "yellow sheets in a Hong Kong bed," add to the dreamlike quality of the song. These details create a hazy, almost hallucinatory atmosphere where the boundaries between reality and imagination are blurred. The use of violent imagery, such as Edna Million breaking a bottle on Morgan's head and the devil's tail being stepped on, adds to the sense of danger and chaos.

The lyrics also touch on themes of infidelity, as the narrator finds himself on the lawn with someone else's wife. This further contributes to the sense of moral ambiguity and confusion in the song. Additionally, the mention of a Cuban jail and a hundred dollars making it dark inside alludes to a wider social and political unrest, perhaps reflecting the time period when the song was written.

Overall, "Jockey Full Of Bourbon" can be interpreted as a reflection on the disarray and unpredictability of life. It portrays a world where danger, violence, and moral ambiguity coexist, and the narrator is caught in the midst of it all, seeking solace in alcohol. The chaotic and surreal nature of the lyrics serves to highlight the unpredictability and confusion of the human experience.