Meaning of "Polly Wolly Doodle" by Leon Redbone

"Polly Wolly Doodle" is a whimsical and lighthearted folk song that depicts a journey to reunite with a loved one. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, with the chorus of "Polly Wolly Doodle all the day" and the humorous encounters like a grasshopper on a railroad track, convey a sense of light-heartedness and joy in the midst of travel difficulties. The protagonist's determination to reach Susianna, despite obstacles like a river and mistaking an alligator for a horse, symbolizes a steadfast devotion and love. The song captures the essence of an adventurous journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, all in the name of love.