☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics tell the story of Tom Dooley, who kills his lover out of jealousy.
- The loneliness and hopelessness of Tom Dooley are emphasized.
- The lyrics warn another man named Oldboy about a similar fate.
- It is emphasized that Tom Dooley shows no remorse and receives no mercy.
- The lyrics end with the question of whether Tom Dooley has anything else to say as the day dawns and the clock tower chimes.
Interpretation
The lyrics of the song "All Over, Tom Dooley" by the
Nilsen Brothers tell the story of Tom Dooley from Tennessee and his impending end. Tom Dooley falls in love with another man's wife, but she does not return his feelings. Out of jealousy, he stabs her. The sheriff, the narrator of the song, must condemn Tom Dooley to death and he will be hanged the next day.
The text describes the loneliness and hopelessness of Tom Dooley, who shows no remorse for his deed. It is emphasized that no one will mourn for him and that the sun will not shine for him. There is no mercy for him and he will never see the sunlight again.
The text also contains a warning to another man named Oldboy, who is enjoying a whiskey. It is implied that this will be his last whiskey, suggesting that he may suffer a similar fate as Tom Dooley.
The text ends with the question of whether Tom Dooley has anything else to say, as the day dawns and the clock tower chimes. It is emphasized that this is his last night and that everything will be over tomorrow.
Overall, the song lyrics address the consequences of jealousy and murder, and emphasize the inevitability of death. It paints a bleak picture of Tom Dooley's fate and prompts the listener to reflect on the tragedy of the story.
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