Mississippi
The Mamas And The Papas · Other Songs - The Mamas And The Papas
Early in the mornin', she hitched a ride down to Louisville
Holdin' onto a hundred dollar bill
Dressed herself like a Cajun Queen in New Orleans, baby
Yeah, she looked good, like a lady
Do it to me, James
And the Mississippi River runs like molasses in the summertime
And me, you know, I don't hardly mind
Sippin' on a beer in Bourbon Street and I'm sittin' easy
Don't get me wrong, it takes a lot to please me
Have a seat an' take a load off your feet, and she said "Yes"
So I said, "I like your dress"
Swamps all around make ya feel kinda funny, don't they, honey
She crossed her legs and looked at me funny
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin'
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're
doin' (what you're doin')
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin'
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin'
Joseph
{Bass: Joe Osborn}
Early in the mornin', she hitched a ride down to Louisville (Louisville)
Holdin' onto a hundred dollar bill
Dressed herself like a Cajun Queen in New Orleans, baby
Yeah, she looked good, like a lady
And the Mississippi River, it runs like molasses in the summertime
And me, you know, I don't hardly mind
Sippin' on a beer in Bourbon Street and I'm sittin' easy
Don't get me wrong, it takes a lot to please me
Everybody sing
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin'
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin'
Have a seat, take a load off your feet, and she said "Yes"
So I said, "I like your dress"
Swamps all around make ya feel kinda funny, don't they, honey
She crossed her legs and looked at me funny
[Repeat until fade]
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin'
Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're
doin' (what you're doin')
Mississippi - The Mamas And The Papas
Released in 1966, "Mississippi" stands as a defining track in the folk-rock canon, crafted by The Mamas And The Papas. The song blends acoustic storytelling with electric instrumentation, capturing the spirit of the era's counterculture movement. Its narrative explores themes of lost love and the haunting beauty of the American South, delivered with a vocal harmony style that became the band's signature. As a staple of their discography, the recording exemplifies the transition from pure folk to rock, influencing countless artists who followed. The track remains a cultural touchstone, often associated with the broader musical landscape of the mid-1960s and its enduring legacy in popular music history.

