Louise
Bonnie Raitt Lyrics
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It was written on the walls and window shades
And how she'd act the little girl
A deceiver, don't believe her that's her trade
Sometimes a bottle of perfume,
Flowers and maybe some lace
Men brought Louise ten cent trinkets
Their intentions were easily traced
But women like Louise they get by
Well everybody thought it kind of sad
When they found Louise in her room
They'd always put her down below their kind
Still some cried when she died this afternoon
Louise rode home on the mail train
Somewhere to the south I heard it said
Too bad it ended so ugly,
Too bad she had to go this way
Ah but the wind is blowing cold tonight
So good night Louise, good night
In Bonnie Raitt's song "Louise," the singer is a woman who is the subject of the small town's gossip and scrutiny. The first verse describes the town's mixed opinion of Louise. Some view her as not half bad, while others accuse her of being a deceiver. Men bring her gifts, but their intentions are easily traced. Even though it's clear that Louise is not happy, she continues to get by.
The second verse reveals that Louise has died, and the town is mourning her passing. It's mentioned that Louise was looked down upon and that it's sad how her life ended in such an ugly way. Despite their criticisms of her, some still cry over her death. The final lines are a somber goodbye to Louise as she is taken away on the mail train.
This song explores the harsh reality of small-town life, where people's reputations and gossip can greatly affect their lives. It portrays Louise as a tragic figure who was misunderstood and judged by others. Overall, the song shows sympathy towards her character and serves as an ode to those who have been mistreated and misunderstood.
Line by Line Meaning
Well they all said Louise was not half bad
The people around talked about Louise's behavior, indicating that she might have had a negative reputation.
It was written on the walls and window shades
The rumors or gossip spread widely about Louise, reaching beyond the walls and being written in public places.
And how she'd act the little girl
Louise pretended to be young and innocent like a child, though she was aware of what she was doing and what she wanted.
A deceiver, don't believe her that's her trade
Louise was a professional liar and con artist, and one should not trust her as deception was her business model.
Sometimes a bottle of perfume,
People would often give Louise gifts, such as bottles of perfume.
Flowers and maybe some lace
They would also give her other small and fancy gifts like flowers and lace.
Men brought Louise ten cent trinkets
Men who were interested in Louise would pamper her with cheap gifts, indulging her.
Their intentions were easily traced
It was understandable that those men only gifted her with such items as their intentions behind those gifts were questionable.
Yes and everybody knew at times she cried
It was known that Louise was not always happy and went through emotional struggles sometimes.
But women like Louise they get by
Louise was someone who was resourceful and knew how to get what she wanted regardless of her reputation.
Well everybody thought it kind of sad
It was considered sad and pitiful by many when Louise passed away.
When they found Louise in her room
Louise was discovered dead in her room.
They'd always put her down below their kind
Louise was never really considered a part of society due to her reputation, and people always looked down on her.
Still some cried when she died this afternoon
Nevertheless, some of the people who knew Louise still mourned her death.
Louise rode home on the mail train
Louise's body was transported home via the mail train.
Somewhere to the south I heard it said
It is said that Louise's body was headed to someplace in South.
Too bad it ended so ugly,
It was sad and regrettable that Louise's life ended in such an unfortunate way.
Too bad she had to go this way
It is a pity that Louise had to leave this world so disgracefully.
Ah but the wind is blowing cold tonight
The wind blowing suggests a bleak and hopeless outlook that was prevalent during Louise's time.
So good night Louise, good night
The artist wishes Louise a peaceful rest in the afterlife.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL SIEBEL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind