Discover the story of the song > Ode to Billy Joe – Patty Smyth

The song tells a story about a day in June when the protagonist's family heard the news that Billy Joe MacAllister jumped off the Tallahatchie Bridge. They talk about it over dinner but seem more concerned with their own lives. Later, the protagonist hears rumors that Billy Joe and a girl were throwing something off the bridge. A year later, the protagonist's family has experienced loss and the protagonist spends time at the bridge. The song is about the disconnect between people's daily lives and the tragedies happening around them.