Marie Laveau

Bobby Bare

About Marie Laveau

"Marie Laveau" is a 1974 live recording by Bobby Bare. His 34th single to hit the country charts, it was his only number one and final top ten country hit. It was written by Shel Silverstein and Baxter Taylor. "Marie Laveau" went to number one for a single week and spent a total of 18 weeks on the country charts. The song is about a fictitious and ugly witch who lived in the Louisiana bayous in a hollow log with a one-eyed snake and a three-legged dog, having the same name as the famous New Orleans voodoo priestess, and who could make men disappear with a horrific screech. On the night of a new moon, Handsome Jack arrives and offers her a deal: if she conjures up $1,000,000 for him, he will marry her. After he receives the money, he backs out of the deal claiming that she is too ugly for a rich man like him; in retaliation, she screeches and Jack disappears. The first released recording is by Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show on their 1971 album Doctor Hook. Another version is by Girl Trouble, released on Thrillsphere (1990) and Blue Dogs (Music for Dog People, 1991). Earlier recordings of the song exist. In 1954, Oscar "Papa" Celestin sang a different composition titled "Marie Laveau" in one of his last recordings. 


Year:
1973
3:09
5,310 
#9

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The most famous of the voodoo queens that ever existed
Is Marie Laveau, down in Louisiana
There's a lot of weird ungodly tales about Marie,
She's supposed to have a lot of magic potions, spells and curses....

Down in Louisiana, where the black trees grow
Lives a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau
Got a black cat's tooth and a Mojo bone
And anyone who wouldn't leave her alone

She'd go another man done gone
She lives in a swamp in a hollow log
With a one-eyed snake and a three-legged dog
She's got a bent, bony body and stringy hair

If she ever seen why'all messing round there
She'd go another man done gone
And then one night when the moon was black
Into the swamp come handsome Jack

A no good man like you all know
He was looking around for Marie Laveau
He said Marie Laveau, you handsome witch
Give me a little a little charm that'll make me rich

Give me a million dollars and I tell you what I'll do
This very night, I'm gonna marry you
Then It'll be another man done gone
So Marie done some magic, and she shook a little sand

Made a million dollars and she put it in his hand
Then she giggled and she wiggled, and she said Hey, Hey
I'm getting ready for my wedding day
But old handsome Jack he said goodbye Marie

You're too damned ugly for a rich man like me
Then Marie started mumbling her fangs started gnashing
Her body started trembling and her eyes started flashing
And she went another man done gone.

So if you ever get down where the black trees grow
And meet a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau
If she ever asks you to make her your wife
Man, you better stay with her for the rest of your life

Or it'll be another man done gone

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Bobby Bare

Robert Joseph "Bobby" Bare (born April 7, 1935, Ironton, Ohio) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He is the father of Bobby Bare, Jr., also a musician. more »

6 fans

Written by: BAXTER TAYLOR, SHEL SILVERSTEIN

Lyrics © T.R.O. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
Bobby Bare is a prominent figure in the country music genre who started his career in the 1950s. This Ohio-born artist grooved his way into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1983, with "Marie Laveau" considered one of his defining tracks.
Song Release
"Marie Laveau" was released in June 1974 as part of Bobby Bare's album, 'This is Bare Country.'
Chart Topping
The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles, making it his most successful song in the charts.
Songwriters
"Marie Laveau" was co-written by Mel Tillis and Shel Silverstein. This partnership produced other hits for Bobby Bare, further bolstering his success as a country music star.
Inspiration
The song is inspired by the famous New Orleans voodoo queen, Marie Laveau. This influential woman of color was known for her spiritual and healing powers during the 19th century.
Singalong Chorus
The song features a famed repetitive chorus "Another man done gone," which makes it a popular singalong choice in country music gatherings.
Critically Acclaimed
This song has achieved critical acclaim and is generally well-reviewed by critics. It's known for its catchy tune and engaging lyrics.
Awards
The success of "Marie Laveau" got Bobby Bare an Academy of Country Music award for Top Male Vocalist in the year of its release.
Different Versions
The song has been covered several times by various artists like Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, a testament to its enduring popularity and appeal.
Prominent Theme
The song deals with the theme of betrayal and revenge, which ties into the historic figure of Marie Laveau, who was said to have powers to harm or heal people, depending on their relationship with her.

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