There is certainly no shortage of songs about the great state of Louisiana. New Orleans alone has been the subject of numerous tunes, but plenty of artists have also written about the state’s other notable features. Musicians have found inspiration in everything from bayous and small towns to Creole culture and Cajun food. Country, blues, jazz, rock, and zydeco music have all found something to say about Louisiana. Some songs celebrate the state, while others comment on its darker history. These eight songs capture Louisiana in very different ways.
1. Louisiana 1927 — Randy Newman
Randy Newman’s “Louisiana 1927” is about the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, which destroyed towns throughout Louisiana and the Mississippi Valley. Rather than simply telling the story of a natural disaster, Newman focuses on the people who were affected by it, as well as the government’s response to the situation. The song is slow, sad, and powerful, without becoming overly dramatic. It took on new meaning in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and the controversial way the government dealt with New Orleans residents after the tragedy.
2. Iko Iko — The Dixie Cups
It’s rare to find a song as immediately connected to New Orleans as “Iko Iko.” The version most people know was recorded by New Orleans girl group The Dixie Cups in the 1960s. However, the song has a complicated history, with an earlier version recorded by New Orleans musician James “Sugar Boy” Crawford. It includes chants, lyrics, and rhythms that date even further back to the Mardi Gras Indian traditions. This tune has a specific sound that is hard to separate from the city itself.
3. Born on the Bayou — Creedence Clearwater Revival
The members of Creedence Clearwater Revival were all from California, but you would never guess it from listening to “Born on the Bayou.” John Fogerty includes lyrics about bayous, Cajun queens, and childhood memories of growing up along the Mississippi River. The swampy guitar sound makes it feel like it was recorded in Louisiana’s southernmost regions. Interestingly, Fogerty hadn’t even visited Louisiana when he wrote the song. Instead, he essentially created the now-famous song based on the music, stories, and images that fascinated him. That makes his authentic portrayal of life in Louisiana all the more impressive. He really nailed the swampy atmosphere of the Deep South.
4. Callin’ Baton Rouge — Garth Brooks
“Callin’ Baton Rouge” has basically become the theme song for Louisiana State University and is regularly sung loudly by tipsy fans at LSU football games. The song is about a guy traveling across the country who can’t stop thinking about a woman he met in Baton Rouge. Garth Brooks wasn’t the first person to record it (the song had already been recorded by the Oak Ridge Boys and New Grass Revival), but his energetic version became the most famous. Spend enough time in Baton Rouge and you’ll know this one by heart, and not necessarily because you want to.
5. Walking to New Orleans — Fats Domino
New Orleans’ own Fats Domino recorded “Walking to New Orleans” in 1960, and it became one of his best-known songs. The lyrics tell of a man who, after a breakup, decides to head back home to New Orleans. Domino’s warm voice makes the song feel nostalgic, sad, and comforting all at the same time. The addition of strings gives it a melancholy sound not heard in his more upbeat hits.
6. Amos Moses — Jerry Reed
“Amos Moses” is responsible for creating one of the most eccentric characters in country music. Jerry Reed sings about a tough Cajun man living in a Louisiana bayou who hunts alligators. Get in his way and he’ll show you he means business. The story is over-the-top and ridiculous, which is why it’s so fun. Reed’s funky guitar playing gives the song a specific energy missing from traditional country music. It’s basically a Louisiana tall tale in song form.
7. Louisiana Saturday Night — Mel McDaniel
“Louisiana Saturday Night” is all about what people are doing on the weekend. Mel McDaniel sings about a rural Louisiana party packed with music, dancing, food, and family. The song is one big joyful celebration after the workweek, as people kick back and make their own entertainment. No extravagant parties needed; just a little fried food, some buddies, and lots of beer. The lyrics create a picture of a casual gathering where everyone is simply having a good time. The song has become a country favorite and is closely associated with the state’s easygoing and party-loving reputation. It’s simple, upbeat, and a good reminder that a Louisiana party doesn’t need an excuse to get started.
8. Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans — Louis Armstrong
If there is one song that captures what it feels like to love New Orleans, this might be it. “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans” was first performed in the 1947 movie New Orleans by Louis Armstrong and Billie Holiday and has since become iconic. Louis Armstrong’s version is certainly the best, as his voice and history with the city are irreplaceable. The song tells of the Mississippi River, the city’s beautiful magnolia trees, and other familiar aspects of New Orleans through the eyes of someone yearning to go back. There is a real sense of homesickness running through the entire thing, in the most beautiful way possible. It’s not about visiting or enjoying New Orleans; it’s about the strange pull the city can have on people after they leave.