Actually, the author of the song has refused to say exactly what it was about, preferring it to remain an enigma. There is speculation that the object thrown from the bridge was a child, a ring, a doll, and too many other things to mention.
In the movie, the object thrown off the bridge is a doll. Billy Joe killed himself because of a homosexual incident that made him doubt his sexuality. The female lead allowed townfolk and her own family to believe that Billy Joe had gotten her pregnant to preserve his memory and protect it against any rumors of homosexuality. In truth, the young couple did not have sex.
Also, according to the movie, the mother's depression is a result of her husband dying so suddenly.
What is the real meaning of this song? No one will ever know. We can only guess and say what it means to us.
Actually, the author of the song has refused to say exactly what it was about, preferring it to remain an enigma. There is speculation that the object thrown from the bridge was a child, a ring, a doll, and too many other things to mention.
In the movie, the object thrown off the bridge is a doll. Billy Joe killed himself because of a homosexual incident that made him doubt his sexuality. The female lead allowed townfolk and her own family to believe that Billy Joe had gotten her pregnant to preserve his memory and protect it against any rumors of homosexuality. In truth, the young couple did not have sex.
Also, according to the movie, the mother's depression is a result of her husband dying so suddenly.
What is the real meaning of this song? No one will ever know. We can only guess and say what it means to us.