“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Every now and then, a song emerges that not only captures the essence of a moment but also immortalizes it for generations. “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn is one such song. Imagine the thrill of a long-distance relationship in the 1970s, where crossing a river symbolizes the lengths one would go for love. This song resonates with those emotions, making it a timeless classic in country music.
About The Composition
- Title: Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man
- Composer: Becki Bluefield, Jim Owen
- Premiere Date: 1973
- Album: Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man
- Genre: Country
Background
“Lousiana Woman, Mississippi Man” was written by Becki Bluefield and Jim Owen, and performed by the iconic duo Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Released in 1973, this song became the title track for their third studio album. It was recorded under the label Decca and produced by Owen Bradley. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles, solidifying Twitty and Lynn’s status as the reigning king and queen of country duets. The song’s narrative of lovers separated by the Mississippi River struck a chord with many, symbolizing the enduring struggle and passion found in long-distance relationships.
Musical Style
The song embodies the quintessential country music sound of the 1970s, featuring twangy guitars, a steady rhythm, and heartfelt vocals. The duet format allowed both Twitty and Lynn to shine, their voices blending seamlessly yet each bringing a distinct character to the song. The instrumentation is straightforward but effective, with the fiddle and steel guitar providing a rich, warm backdrop to the singers’ dynamic exchanges. The structure of the song is a call-and-response format, emphasizing the conversational and narrative aspect of the lyrics.
Lyrics
The lyrics of “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” tell the story of two lovers who live on opposite sides of the Mississippi River. They express their longing and determination to be together despite the physical barrier. The chorus captures the essence of their commitment:
“Lousiana woman, Mississippi man,
We get together every time we can,
The Mississippi River can keep us apart,
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart.”
Performance History
Since its release, “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” has been a staple in the repertoire of Twitty and Lynn. The song was a highlight of their live performances, often bringing the audience to their feet. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists and remains a popular choice for duets in country music circles.
Cultural Impact
The song not only cemented Twitty and Lynn’s partnership but also influenced the genre of country music by setting a high standard for male-female duets. Its popularity led to the release of several more successful duet albums by the pair. The song’s themes of love, distance, and perseverance have resonated with listeners across generations, making it a cultural touchstone.
Legacy
“Lousiana Woman, Mississippi Man” continues to be a beloved classic in country music. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatable lyrics, catchy melody, and the undeniable chemistry between Twitty and Lynn. The song is frequently included in retrospectives of the greatest country duets and is celebrated for its role in the legacy of both artists.
Conclusion
“Lousiana Woman, Mississippi Man” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to the power of love and the lengths people will go to be together. Its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with audiences today. For anyone looking to experience the magic of country music, this song is a must-listen. I encourage you to explore the various recordings, particularly live performances by Twitty and Lynn, to fully appreciate the emotion and chemistry that make this song a timeless classic.
Video
Lyrics
Hey, Louisiana woman, Mississippi man
We’ll get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
See the alligator all a-waitin’ nearby
Sooner or later they know I’m gonna try
When she wave from the bank don’t you know I know
It’s a goodbye fishin’ line, see you while I go
With a Louisiana woman waitin’ on the other side
The Mississippi River don’t look so wide
Louisiana woman, Mississippi man
We’ll get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
Well, I thought I’d been loved but I never had
‘Til I was wrapped in the arms of a Mississippi man
When he holds me close it feels almost
Like another hurricane just a-ripped the coast
If he can’t come to me I’ma gonna go to him
That Mississippi River, Lord, I’m gonna swim
Hey, Louisiana woman, Mississippi man
We’ll get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
Well, the Mississippi River, Lord, it’s one mile wide
And I’m gonna get me to the other side
Mississippi man, I’m losin’ my mind
Gotta have your lovin’ one more time
I’m gonna jump in the river and-a here I go
Too bad alligator you swim too slow
Hey, Louisiana woman, Mississippi man
We’ll get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
Ah, there’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
Hey
Ah, there’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
Ah, there’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
Hey