This week’s song might be considered a slight departure from some of the other songs that I have profiled in the past. I don’t remember how exactly I was introduced to the Drive-by Truckers, but they ended up as an add to my music collection when I bought a “Best of…” compilation of iTunes sometime last year. Their mix of rock and country usually isn’t my cup of tea, and I have since limited the number of their songs that I have in rotation on my iPod. Nevertheless, this one song still sticks around because I like songs that tell stories and this one is no different.
There is a lot of lament in the song from the narrator of the song, like he really does feel bad for (spoiler alert) accidentally falling in love with his fiance’s best friend and subsequently eloping with her. I know I feel bad for Annette.
Me and my Annette, we was fond as we could be
We was set to marry in October ’33
I set my sights on courtin’ her, as fine as she could be
I never even noticed her best friend Marilee
Took a job at the saw mill and I bought my girl a ring
Had a pre-wedding party, close friends and family
Everything was fine, eatin’ home-made ice cream
I swear I never noticed maid of honor, Marilee.My Sweet Annette was left standing at the altar.
My Sweet Annette was left standing at the altar.Marilee was taken ill, it was several miles from home
Back then it wasn’t fittin’ for a girl to leave alone
Sweet Annette, she asked me to walk her to the door
As innocent as children back before the war.
My Sweet Annette was left standing at the altar.
My Sweet Annette was left standing at the altar.(instrumental break, including some fiddle)
Lord have mercy for what we done, Lord have mercy when two people get alone
Neither one of us had done anything like that, you see
By the next sunset, I had eloped with Marilee.
By the next sunset, I had eloped with Marilee.
By the next sunset, I had eloped with Marilee.(instrumental break, including more kick ass fiddle)
My Sweet Annette was left standing at the altar.
– Drive-by Truckers, Decoration Day
Until next time…
Robert Writes About... 