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Congo Square
Sonny Landreth Lyrics


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Congo Square
Sonny Landreth, Mel Melton, Dave Ranson

might be superstition but some kind of somethin'
Goin' on down there
It might be superstition but some kind of somethin'
Goin' on down there
It's an old time tradition when they play their
Drums at night in Congo Square

you can hear 'em in the distance
And the old folks up the bayou say a prayer
You can hear 'em in the distance
And the old folks up the bayou say a prayer
That's when the voodoo people gather
And they play their drums at night in Congo Square
... voodoo people

my eyes were not believin'
What I seen there but I could not turn away
My eyes were not believin'
What I seen there but I could not turn away
They had that mojo in motion
And I seen 'em dance in trance with that snake
... snake dance

it might be superstition
But when I hear 'em in the night I say a prayer
Yeah it might be superstition
But when I hear 'em in the night I say a prayer
Because I respects tradition
Like the kind they carry on in Congo Square
... Congo Square

Overall Meaning

The song "Congo Square" by Sonny Landreth, Mel Melton and Dave Ranson is a tribute to the tradition of African dance and music that has been preserved and celebrated in Congo Square, New Orleans, for centuries. The song describes the superstition surrounding these traditions, but also the deep reverence and respect that is held for them.


The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, which describe the mysterious and ritualistic atmosphere of Congo Square. The repeated phrase "it might be superstition but some kind of somethin' goin' on down there" suggests that there is something present in Congo Square that is difficult to explain or quantify, but is nevertheless powerful and captivating.


The song goes on to describe the music and dance that takes place in Congo Square, including the drums that can be heard in the distance and the snake dance that is performed by the dancers. The lyrics capture the sense of awe that the musicians and dancers evoke in those who witness their performances, and the deep respect that is held for these traditions.


Overall, "Congo Square" is a lyrical tribute to the cultural heritage of African Americans in New Orleans, and the importance of preserving and celebrating that heritage for future generations.


Line by Line Meaning

might be superstition but some kind of somethin'
Although it may be considered superstitious, there is something captivating happening down in Congo Square.


Goin' on down there
There is something happening down in Congo Square.


It's an old time tradition when they play their Drums at night in Congo Square
The tradition of playing drums at night in Congo Square dates back to ancient times.


You can hear 'em in the distance And the old folks up the bayou say a prayer
The sound of drums can be heard from far away, and the elders pray.


That's when the voodoo people gather And they play their drums at night in Congo Square
The voodoo people gather at night in Congo Square to play their drums.


my eyes were not believin' What I seen there but I could not turn away
Although unbelievable, I could not turn away from what I saw in Congo Square.


They had that mojo in motion And I seen 'em dance in trance with that snake
I witnessed them perform their rituals with full commitment and saw them dancing in trance with a snake.


Yeah it might be superstition But when I hear 'em in the night I say a prayer
Even though it may seem superstitious, when hearing the sounds of drums at night, I still offer a prayer.


Because I respects tradition Like the kind they carry on in Congo Square
I hold reverence for the traditions such as those practiced in Congo Square.




Lyrics © Bluewater Music Corp.
Written by: Dave Raonson, Mel Melton, Sonny Landreth

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@eddygortex

Two humble and extremely talented guitarists complimenting each other and no duelling or egos and let’s have a thumbs up for the drummer .

@rickmoore5943

Pure bliss

@gratefulape12

Music making at the highest level. Everyone in the wings getting a guitar lesson, as a bonus. 😉

@perisbrodsky4242

@@goodun2974 Ranson, 'tis.

@strings53notlob50

I love them both and yes I know they’re different styles different players but, if this was a competition Derek trucks just kicked ass with no mercy. My humble opinion.

@gratefulape12

Derek's first solo might be one of the best I've heard, and Sonny - being the consumate musician - gives him the perfect launchpad. And then what Sonny plays leading into the rideout... wow

9 More Replies...

@peterfriedman2830

Sonny's is the best roaring and growling guitar you'll ever hear, Derek's is the best screaming and wailing. what more could a bluesy-rock slide guitar-lover ever ask for?

@edwardescobar500

...nothing

@isaacpike2348

Jack Pearson

@JasonLumbatis

It is a beautiful conversation between Leo and Les ain’t it??
Absolutely been wearing this video out for a week now 🤘🏻🤘🏻

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