Louisiana Story

In deep south When I was growing up Looking back on sweetness Looking back on the rough

The sun going down Crickets at night Amour sounds And mosquito bites

Swatting at a fly Hearing the neighbors talk It's so hot you could fry An egg on the sidewalk

Outside playing Barefoot in the street Tar will be sticking To the bottom of my feet

Running and chasing after The ice cream wagon Mama, can I have a quarter So I can get me one

On a good day, Mama'd make us Sweet coffee milk On bad day's she'd cuss When something got spilled

Her daddy taught the Bible Lake Charles to Monroe Shreveport to Slydell Batton Rouge to Tibadeux

He'd chew tobacco Spit it out in a can All the while hollering Don't let the screen door slam

Her daddy's kind Didn't spare the rod Blinded by the fear And the wrath of the Lord

He'd call us sinners Say you're going to hell Now finish your dinner And tell 'em you fell

And when the blood came Mama told her She was unclean And her mama would scold her

Mama always felt Christian gilt And then put to bed Under a homemade quilt

God knows it rains In Louisiana But not enough to wash away Sins of the father

God knows Mama Loved her daughter And they say that blood Is thicker than water

Out in deep south When I was growing up Looking back on the sweetness Looking back on the rough