About the song
“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” is a classic country duet that tells a story of love transcending geographical boundaries. Penned by songwriters Becki Bluefield and Jim Owen, the song became a defining moment in the careers of country music powerhouses Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Released in May 1973, it marked the first single and title track from their collaborative album of the same name.
This chart-topping hit solidified the magic of Twitty and Lynn’s musical partnership. It climbed to the number one spot on the Billboard country chart, holding the position for a week and remaining on the chart for a total of 13 weeks. The song’s success was not just about commercial performance; it received critical acclaim for its upbeat Cajun sound and the undeniable chemistry between the legendary duo.
But what truly sets “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” apart is its captivating narrative. The song explores the plight of two lovers separated by the mighty Mississippi River. Undeterred by the distance, they declare their unwavering devotion. The man vows to cross the river, while the woman, in a moment of passionate desperation, even contemplates swimming the supposedly one-mile stretch to be reunited with her love.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the couple’s yearning and their determination to overcome the physical barrier that separates them. The powerful Mississippi River becomes a symbol of the challenges they face, yet their love emerges as a force even greater.
“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” transcended the boundaries of the country music world. It found a new audience years later when it was featured on the soundtrack of the popular video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable theme of overcoming obstacles for love, a sentiment that resonates across generations and musical genres.
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