Louisiana

Randy Newman

About Louisiana

"Louisiana 1927" is a 1974 song written and recorded by Randy Newman on the album Good Old Boys. It tells the story of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 which left 700,000 people homeless in Louisiana and Mississippi.


Year:
1974
3:00
289 
#1

 Struggling with Louisiana? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!

What has happened down here is the wind have changed
Clouds roll in from the north and it started to rain
Rained real hard and rained for a real long time
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline

The river rose all day
The river rose all night

Some people got lost in the flood
Some people got away alright
The river have busted through cleared down to Plaque mines
Six feet of water in the streets of Evangeline

Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tyrin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away

President Coolidge came down in a railroad train
With a little fat man with a notepad in his hand
The President say, Little fat man isn't it a shame
What the river has done
To this poor crackers land

Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tyrin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away
Louisiana, Louisiana
They're tryin' to wash us away
They're tryin' to wash us away

 Struggling with Louisiana? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Randy Newman

Randall Stuart "Randy" Newman (born November 28, 1943) is an American singer-songwriter,arranger, composer, and pianist who is known for his mordant (and often satirical) pop songs and for film scores. more »

5 fans

Written by: RANDY NEWMAN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Composer
"Louisiana 1927" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter, Randy Newman.
Release Date
The song was released in 1974 as part of his "Good Old Boys" album.
Album Concept
The song is part of a concept album, which means the entire album revolves around a single story or theme, in this case, the South and American prejudice.
Song Subject
The song talks about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, which was considered one of the most destructive floods in U.S. history.
Historic Reference
The song references then-U.S. President Coolidge visiting the stricken area, which led to certain criticisms about the lack of government responses during the disaster.
Inspirational Interpretations
Newman’s song was interpreted by many as an allegorical commentary on the U.S. government’s slow and inadequate response in times of crisis.
Popular Cover Versions
Over the years, several artists have covered "Louisiana 1927," including Aaron Neville, whose version became the unofficial anthem of Hurricane Katrina.
Use in Media
The song gained renewed public recognition when it was frequently played on television and radio after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of Louisiana in 2005.
Live performance
During Newman's live performances, he often changes the lyrics to reference current U.S. presidents, reflecting the continued relevance of the song's commentary.
Song Reception
Despite having minimal commercial success at the time of its release, the song is now widely considered one of Newman’s best works.
Artistic Style
Randy Newman is known for his satirical and often controversial lyrics, exemplifying his unique style of storytelling in songs. This is evident in "Louisiana 1927," as it explores a devastating historical event from a deeply personal perspective.
Emotional Impact
The song also displays a strong sense of emotional complexity, showcasing both hope and despair, expressing feelings of heavy loss and longing.

Discuss the Louisiana Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Louisiana Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/31474453/Randy+Newman/Louisiana>.

    Missing lyrics by Randy Newman?

    Know any other songs by Randy Newman? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Louisiana

    1M
    4,758     117

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who's the Spanish duo behind "Yes Sir, I Can Boogie"?
    A Baccara
    B Las Grecas
    C Pereza
    D Dúo Dinámico

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Randy Newman tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!