In 1975, Jessie Colter (Mrs. Waylon Jennings) released “I’m Not Lisa” - a single that became her first and only #1 hit. It is a song that Jessie had written herself, and to my mind, it is a perfect example of Country Music as Poetry.
The song is as poignant as any country song lyric ever written. Her words create a bare framework that requires the reader/listener to fill in the blanks through the liberal application of imagination and/or experience. The song transports us with a subtle strength that effectively defines the difference between the effects of poetry and prose.
I'm not Lisa, my name is Julie
Lisa left you years ago
My eyes are not blue
But mine won't leave you
'Til the sunlight has touched your face
She was your morning light
Her smile told of no night
Your love for her grew
With each rising sun
And then one winter day
His hand led hers away
She left you here drowning in your tears, here
Where you've stayed for years
Crying Lisa, Lisa
I'm not Lisa, my name is Julie
Lisa left you years ago
My eyes are not blue
But mine won't leave you
'Til the sunlight shines through your face
I'm not Lisa
Colter never had the greatest voice in country music, but the feeling she put into this song made covers by some much better singers pale in comparison.
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