Mississippi Levee

From the Album Dove with Claws

Working on the levee all day long
Leaning on a shovel with my bare feet on
One of these days I’m going to be gone
Working on the Mississippi levee

I miss my momma; I miss my pa’
When the day is done I can barely crawl
They treat them mules better than I
Working on the levee is suicide

One by one I watch men fall
Then I hear the boss-man call
Make it quick you better not stall
Working on the Mississippi levee

I wasn’t my fault because they built
Their homes on the ground and not on stilts
Should have known better to build their homes
On the banks of a river that overflows

When I see a paddleboat
Out on the river kicking up smoke
Lately I’ve been filled with hope
Working on the Mississippi levee

If they shoot when I run
I’d rather die by their bullets and guns
Then to work for the rest of my life
Shoveling dirt on a river dike

Late at night I often dream
Of the woman I love; she’s a Cajun Queen
Skin so dark part Cherokee
Working on the Mississippi levee

If by chance again we meet
I’m going to pick her up by her feet
Love her until my well runs dry
Then I’m going to hang my head and cry

Words & music by Larry Long
Copyright Larry Long 1986; Renewed 2020 / BMI

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