Louisiana Man
Rick Nelson · Rick Nelson Box Set [Legacy] [2000]
At first mom and papa called their little boy Ned
They raise him on the banks of the river bed
A houseboat tied to a big tall tree
A home for my papa and my mama and me.
The clock strikes three papa jumps to his feet
Already mama's cookin' papa somethin' to eat
At half past papa he's ready to go
He jumps in his piro headed down the bayou.
He's got fishin' lines strung across the Louisiana River
Gotta catch a big fish for us to eat
He's settin' his traps catchin' anything he can
Gotta make a livin' he's a Louisiana man
Gotta make a livin' he's a Louisiana man.
Muskart hides hanging by the dozen
Even got a little baby muskart's cousin
Gotta 'em fryin' in the hot, hot sun
Tomorrow papa's gonna turn them into mon.
--- Instrumental ---
They call mama Rita and my daddy Jack
My little baby brother on the floor that's Mac
Red and Lynn are the family twins
Big brother Ed's on the bayou fishin'.
On the river float papa's great big boat
That's how my papa goes into town
He takes every bit of the night and day
Then even reach the place where the people stay.
I can hardly wait till tomorrow comes around
That's the day my papa takes his fures to town
Papa promised me that I could go
Even let me see a cowboy show.
I saw the cowboys and Indians for the first time
Then I told my papa gotta go again
Papa said son we got the lines to run
We'll come back again 'cause there's work to be done.
--- Instrumental ---
He's got fishin' lines strung across the Louisiana River
Gotta catch a big fish for us to eat
He's settin' his traps catchin' anything he can
Gotta make a livin' he's a Louisiana man
Gotta make a livin' he's a Louisiana man.
Gotta make a livin' he's a Louisiana man
Gotta make a livin' he's a Louisiana man...
Louisiana Man
Rick Nelson's "Louisiana Man" stands as a quintessential example of his early rock and roll style, characterized by its driving rhythm and melodic simplicity. Recorded during the height of his fame in the early 1960s, the track captures the energetic sound that defined his career on Decca Records. While often associated with the broader cultural landscape of the American South, the song's title evokes a specific regional identity that resonated with Nelson's audience. The recording showcases his signature vocal delivery, blending the innocence of his earlier hits with the emerging rock energy of the era. Included in various compilations and box sets, this track remains a staple of his discography, illustrating his ability to craft memorable pop songs that bridged the gap between traditional pop and the raw energy of rock and roll.