"Run The Voodoo Down"
Cassandra Wilson Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I got High John in my pocket
And mud in my shoes
Walked all the way from Mississippi
Just to spread the news

Don't care for idle conversation
I'm not your girl about town
But when it comes to make music
I run the voodoo down

And here in this quiet place I own
Worlds are born

The night of my conception
The star were fixed
Conjure woman told my mother
She's gonna run and twist

Don't have to worry 'bout her learning
She's gonna get around
And when it comes to traveling
She'll run the voodoo down

Here in this quiet place we own
We're born

Destiny is my deliverance
I walk this road alone
I take my pleasure in remembering
I'm just a rolling stone

And I don't mind some company
If you want to stay around
But when it comes to my loving
I run the voodoo down





And here in this quiet place I own
Worlds are born

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cassandra Wilson's "Run The Voodoo Down" are rich with references to the African American tradition of voodoo, and the power that it holds. The song begins with the singer announcing that she has "High John" in her pocket — High John the Conqueror is a figure from African American folklore who possesses supernatural powers and helps those who possess his root to overcome obstacles. She also has "mud in [her] shoes", which could symbolize the difficult journey she's been on to get to where she is now.


The singer then goes on to describe her relationship to music and the role it plays in her life. She says she doesn't care for "idle conversation" and is not a "girl about town", but when it comes to making music, she can "run the voodoo down". This suggests that her musical abilities are something that are deeply connected to her cultural heritage and spirituality, and that she is able to tap into a powerful force when she plays music.


Line by Line Meaning

I got High John in my pocket
I have a good luck charm with me


And mud in my shoes
I've walked a long way to be here


Walked all the way from Mississippi
I've traveled a great distance to spread a message


Just to spread the news
I'm here to share important information


Don't care for idle conversation
I'm not interested in small talk


I'm not your girl about town
I'm not here for socializing


But when it comes to make music
My true passion is creating music


I run the voodoo down
I excel at blending different musical styles


And here in this quiet place I own
This is a sacred space for me


Worlds are born
I find inspiration and creativity here


The night of my conception
The night I was conceived was a special and significant moment


The stars were fixed
The alignment of the stars have impacted my destiny


Conjure woman told my mother
My mother received a prophecy about me from a wise woman


She's gonna run and twist
I'm destined for a life full of adventure and excitement


Don't have to worry 'bout her learning
I'm naturally curious and eager to explore


She's gonna get around
I'll travel far and wide


And when it comes to traveling
Exploring the world is one of my greatest passions


She'll run the voodoo down
I'll infuse my music with unique cultural influences and flavors


Destiny is my deliverance
I trust that my destiny will guide me


I walk this road alone
My journey is a solitary one


I take my pleasure in remembering
I find joy in reminiscing


I'm just a rolling stone
I'm a free spirit who doesn't like to be tied down


And I don't mind some company
I welcome the company of others


If you want to stay around
Feel free to stick around


But when it comes to my loving
In matters of the heart, I know what I want


I run the voodoo down
My love is infused with passion and sensuality


And here in this quiet place I own
This is my sacred space, where I feel most at home


Worlds are born
From my creativity, new possibilities emerge




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group

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