About the song
Kris Kristofferson, a name synonymous with heartfelt country music, has gifted us with countless gems over the years. Among these treasures is the poignant ballad, “Jody and the Kid”. Released in 1971 as part of his album The Silver Tongued Devil and I, this song has stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with listeners of all ages.
“Jody and the Kid” paints a vivid picture of a simpler time, a world where close-knit families and strong community bonds were the norm. Kristofferson’s lyrical prowess shines through as he weaves a tale of a man reflecting on his life and the special bond he shared with his daughter. The song’s title itself evokes a sense of nostalgia, conjuring images of a carefree childhood spent exploring the world with a loved one.
The narrative unfolds with a gentle, melancholic tone, as the narrator reminisces about his daughter’s childhood. Kristofferson’s evocative imagery and heartfelt lyrics transport listeners to a bygone era, where the world seemed full of endless possibilities. The line, “And she often lay beside me, in the coolness of the evening, ‘Til the morning sun was shining on my bed” paints a tender scene of a father and daughter sharing a quiet moment together.
As the song progresses, the narrator’s tone shifts slightly, hinting at the passage of time and the inevitable changes that life brings. The lyrics, “Now, the world’s a little older, and the years have changed the river” acknowledge the bittersweet nature of growing up and moving on. Despite these changes, the deep love between father and daughter remains a constant, serving as a source of comfort and solace.
One of the most striking aspects of “Jody and the Kid” is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. The song is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, reminding us of the preciousness of family and the enduring power of love. Kristofferson’s soulful vocals, combined with the song’s simple yet evocative melody, create a truly timeless piece of music.
“Jody and the Kid” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless tribute to the bonds of family and the beauty of human connection. Kristofferson’s heartfelt lyrics and poignant melody continue to resonate with listeners today, reminding us of the importance of cherishing the simple moments in life. Whether you’re a longtime fan of country music or simply looking for a beautiful and moving song, “Jody and the Kid” is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
She would meet me in the morning on my way down to the river
Waitin’ patient by the China berry tree
With her feet already dusty from the pathway to the levee
And her little blue jeans rolled up to her knees
And I’d paid her no attention as she tagged along beside me
Trying hard to copy everything I did
But I couldn’t keep from smiling when I’d hear somebody saying
Looky yonder there goes Jody and the kid
Even after we grew older we could still be seen together
As we walked along the levee holding hands
For as surely as the seasons she was changing to a woman
And I’d lived enough to call myself a man
And she often lay beside me in the coolness of the evening
Till the morning sun was shining on my bed
And at times when she was sleeping I would smile when I’d remember
How they used to call us Jody and the kid
Now the world’s a little older and the years have changed the river
Cause there’s houses where they didn’t used to be
And on Sundays I go walking down the pathway to the levee
With another little girl who follows me
And it makes the old folks smile to see her tag along beside me
Doin’ little things the way her mama did
But it gets a little lonesome when I hear somebody saying
Looky yonder there goes Jody and the kid