Mister and Mississippi
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · The Three Bells [Bear Family] [1993]
I can't recall my mother,
I don't remember dad
Mister and Mississippi
Was all I ever had.
Oh, I was born to wander,
I was born to roam
And Mister and Mississippi
Made me feel at home.
Oh, I was born to wander
I was born to roam
And Mister and Mississippi
Made me feel at home.
My cradle was the river
My school a river boat
My teacher was a gambler
The slickest one afloat.
My teacher was a gambler
The slickest one afloat
He taught me not to gamble
On a petticoat.
Oh, I was born to wander
I was born to roam
And Mister and Mississippi
Made me feel at home.
Oh, Betty Mae I love you
I love you Betty Mae
I love you like a barefoot boy
Loves a summer day.
The way a wandering gypsy
Loves the changing scenes
Just like the restless river
Loves old New Orleans.
Oh, I was born to wander
I was born to roam
And Mister and Mississippi
Made me feel at home.
I'd love a tiny village
A quite country town
A house, a little garden
With kiddies running 'round.
I'd be a faithful husband
I'd be a trusting friend
Until I heard that steamboat
Coming 'round the bend.
Oh, I was born to wander
I was born to roam
And Mister and Mississippi
Made me feel at home...
About Mister and Mississippi
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns deliver a soulful rendition of "Mister and Mississippi," a track that captures the weary yet resilient spirit of the American South. Recorded for their 1993 Bear Family release, *The Three Bells*, the song reflects Brown's signature ability to blend gospel roots with bluesy storytelling. The arrangement features a driving rhythm section that underscores the narrative of a man navigating the complexities of his hometown and the wider world. Brown's vocal delivery is characterized by its raw emotion and rhythmic precision, typical of his work during this period. The recording sits within a catalog of similar tracks that explore themes of faith, family, and daily life, showcasing the group's commitment to authentic Southern soul. This piece stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional gospel and blues fusion, offering listeners a glimpse into the personal struggles and triumphs of the era's musical tradition.