About the song
Jerry Reed’s “Amos Moses” is a timeless piece of Americana that has resonated with audiences for decades. Released in 1970, this quirky, narrative-driven song quickly became a chart-topping hit, capturing the hearts of listeners with its humorous storytelling and infectious melody.
The song’s central character, Amos Moses, is a one-armed Cajun alligator poacher living in the Louisiana bayou. Through Reed’s vivid storytelling, we are transported to a world of swamps, backwoods charm, and a dash of outlaw spirit. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of Amos’s life, his upbringing, and his encounters with the law, all set against the backdrop of the Louisiana wilderness.
What sets “Amos Moses” apart is its blend of humor and pathos. Reed’s delivery is both playful and heartfelt, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The song’s catchy chorus and memorable lyrics have made it a beloved classic, often used as a line dance and appearing in various forms of media.
Beyond its commercial success, “Amos Moses” has solidified Jerry Reed’s legacy as a versatile musician and songwriter. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal, a testament to the power of storytelling, and a reminder of the enduring allure of the American South.
Video
Lyrics
Yeah, here comes Amos
Now Amos Moses was a Cajun
He lived by himself in the swamp
He hunted alligator for a living
He’d just knock them in the head with a stump
The Louisiana law gonna get you, Amos
It ain’t legal hunting alligator down in the swamp, boy
Now everyone blamed his old man
For making him mean as a snake
When Amos Moses was a boy
His daddy would use him for alligator bait
Tie a rope around his base and throw him in the swamp (hahaha)
Alligator bait in the Louisiana bayou
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a man called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah
Well, they raised up a son that could eat up his weight in groceries
Named him after a man of the cloth
Called him Amos Moses, yeah (haha)
Now the folks from down south Louisiana
Said Amos was a hell of a man
He could trap the biggest, the meanest alligator
And he’d just use one hand
That’s all he got left ’cause an alligator bit it (hahaha)
Left arm gone clear up to the elbow
Well the sheriff caught wind that Amos
Was in the swamp trapping alligator skin
So he snuck in the swamp to gon’ and get the boy
But he never come out again
Well, I wonder where the Louisiana sheriff went to
Well, you can sure get lost in the Louisiana bayou
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a cat called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah
Well, they raised up a son that could eat up his weight in groceries
Named him after a man of the cloth
Called him Amos Moses
Sit down on ’em Amos!
Make it count son
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a man called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah