The song "Tennessee Border #2" by Red Foley and Ernest Tubb tells a humorous story about a woman named Helen who has unique physical features and a difficult love life. The lyrics describe her red eyes, watermelon-like head, and bologna-like neck, using exaggerated imagery to portray her appearance. Helen's marriage license is mentioned, emphasizing her low-cost and potentially troubled relationships. The mention of the Tennessee Border suggests that the story takes place in the state of Tennessee, possibly along the border with a neighboring state. As the story unfolds, the protagonist takes Helen out and encounters her husband, who is described as tall and carrying brass knuckles. The protagonist ends up with his teeth knocked out, presumably as a result of a confrontation with Helen's husband. The lyrics continue to describe Helen's physical attributes, including her nose resembling a big banana and her weight causing trouble. The mention of her having trouble walking and appearing double suggests that she might be extremely overweight. The song further mentions Helen's suitor's failed attempts to court her due to her weight, resulting in her wearing a girdle (a tight undergarment) to control her appearance. Towards the end, there is a brief dialogue between the song's characters, where one asks about the whereabouts of an old man's daughter, implying that Helen has moved on or left the Tennessee border. Overall, the song uses humor and exaggerated imagery to portray a story about a woman with unique physical features and a challenging love life, set against the backdrop of the Tennessee border.
