Mississippi River Blues
Jimmie Rodgers Lyrics


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The Mississippi River Blues...

Oh you Mississippi river with water so deep and wide
My thoughts of you keep rising just like an evening tide
I'm just like a seagull that's left the sea
Oh, your muddy waters, they keep on calling me

I'm going to pack my grip and head that way
You'll see me hanging ‘round again some day
‘Cause I know that's the only way to lose
The Mississippi River Blues

The Mississippi River Blues...

I've often ridden on your bosom from Memphis down to New Orleans
Dreaming over muddy waters flowing through familiar scenes
And when I hear the whistle of an old steamboat
Down that Mississippi River again I'm going to float

I'm going to pack my grip and head that way
You'll see me hanging ‘round again some day
‘Cause I know that's the only way to lose
The mean old Mississippi River Blues






The Mississippi River Blues...

Overall Meaning

The song "Mississippi River Blues" by Jimmie Rodgers is a heartfelt tribute to the Mississippi River, which the singer regards as an old friend that he has been separated from for too long. The lyrics describe his yearning to return to the river's banks and allow it to wash away his troubles, which he refers to as the "Mississippi River Blues." He likens himself to a seagull that has left the sea, unable to resist the pull of the river's muddy waters that keep calling him back.


Rodgers relates some of his experiences riding on the Mississippi River, such as traveling from Memphis to New Orleans and reminiscing over the familiar scenes he encountered along the way. At the sound of an old steamboat's whistle, he longs to once again float down the Mississippi and be reunited with his beloved river. It is clear that the Mississippi holds a special place in his heart and has had a significant impact on his life, as reflected in the emotion and nostalgia conveyed in the lyrics.


Overall, "Mississippi River Blues" is a wistful and evocative tribute to the power and allure of the Mighty Mississippi, its winding course and its profound influence on the culture and history of the American South.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh you Mississippi river with water so deep and wide
The singer starts by admiring the vastness of the Mississippi river and how deep and wide its waters are.


My thoughts of you keep rising just like an evening tide
The singer is so captivated by the river that the thought of it keeps coming to their mind like the rising of the evening tide.


I'm just like a seagull that's left the sea
The singer compares themselves to a seagull that has left the sea, as they are irresistibly drawn to the Mississippi.


Oh, your muddy waters, they keep on calling me
Despite the uncleanliness of the river water, the artist is still being called to it.


I'm going to pack my grip and head that way
The artist has resolved to go back to the Mississippi river and is going to prepare for the journey.


You'll see me hanging ‘round again some day
The singer is confident that they will return to the river soon enough.


‘Cause I know that's the only way to lose
The singer believes that the only way to overcome the sadness or 'blues' brought on by the Mississippi river is to immerse oneself in its waters again.


I've often ridden on your bosom from Memphis down to New Orleans
The artist has traveled the length of the river before, from Memphis to New Orleans.


Dreaming over muddy waters flowing through familiar scenes
During their travels, the artist would often look at the river's muddy water and dream about the familiar landscapes it flows through.


And when I hear the whistle of an old steamboat
The artist is reminded of their love for the river whenever they hear the sound of a steamboat whistle.


Down that Mississippi River again I'm going to float
The singer intends to float down the river again, propelled by the fascination and allure of the Mississippi.


The mean old Mississippi River Blues
The lyrics are repeated, emphasizing the power of the river to cause the artist feelings of sorrow and longing.




Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@nathancancel

Last chance U brought me here

@LBCDPG

Me too

@mushasherps8734

Same

@maxrycus8524

Nathan Cancel same

@TiosamAHK

Yes the same lol

@camronturner2750

Nathan Cancel sameee

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@chriskroll4166

If I was teaching a college course in blues and country music this is where I would start. This is the beginning of everything that would come in all of blues and country. Possibly the greatest blues and country recording artist who ever lived . 🙏

@mushasherps8734

Last chance U

@ricardotroncoso661

Mushasherps Same!

@necromancer4660

Songs like this are calming to me when every thing feels FUBAR

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