West gained fame the world over during his long career as one of the most innovative and influential musicians in the history of rock music. He is most noted for his role as leader of the explosive hard rock trio, Mountain, which was named by VH-1 as one of the Top 100 Hard Rock Groups of all time. With Mountain, he climbed the heights of rock stardom on the strength of a unique, signature guitar sound and classic songs such as โMississippi Queenโ, โNever In My Lifeโ and โTheme From An Imaginary Westernโ,and Nantucket Sleighride which are still staples of rock radio to this day. West earned the admiration of a long list of famous peers. During his career, he recorded or played with a litany of rock icons including Billy Joel, Van Halen, The Who, Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix, to name just a few. In fact, Eddie Van Halen, Michael Schenker and Richie Sambora have all cited West as an important influence on their own music.
West's bold, expressive and unique guitar style is really a mirror of his own personality. Spend a little time talking with this larger-than-life figure, and youโll realize that he is as charismatic without a guitar in his hands as he is with one. Possessing a sharp sense of humor, he was at once gregarious and gruff while recounting stories from his legendary past. When discussing his music projects, he exuded an infectious enthusiasm and excitement. Such projects could take him outside his traditional roles of guitarist, singer and songwriter.
In 1986, he acted alongside Tom Hanks and Shelley Long in the hit comedy film, The Money Pit and has lent his distinctive voice to the popular animated series, Beast Wars Transformers which ran for three seasons on the WB network beginning in 1996 before going into syndication. He has also contributed the theme music to the new WB show, Mutant X.
West was a popular personality on the Howard Stern Radio Show and was Musical Director for the shock jockโs FOX series, as well as for the late comedian Sam Kinison. Most recently, he lent his production and songwriting skills to an album by Atlantic Recordsโ modern rock group, Clutch, and has just released his own instructional guitar DVD, Big Phat Ass Guitar.
Mississippi Queen
Leslie West Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mississippi Queen, She taught me everything
Went down around Vicksburg, around Louisiana way
Where lived the Cajun Lady, aboard the Mississippi Queen
You know she was a dancer, she moved better on wine
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine
Mississippi Queen, If you know what I mean
Mississippi Queen, She taught me everything
This lady she asked me, if I would be her man
You know that I told her, I'd do what I can
To keep her lookin' pretty, buy her dresses that shine
While the rest of them dudes were makin' their friends
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was loosin' mine
You know she was a dancer, she moved better on wine
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine
Yeah, Mississippi Queen
Leslie West's Mississippi Queen is a song that follows the story of the singer's encounter with a Cajun lady who lives aboard the Mississippi Queen. Throughout the song, the singer praises the woman's charm and beauty, suggesting that she is a dancer who moves better on wine. The singer also admits to being caught up in the woman's allure, getting "lost" while the other guys were "just getting their kicks."
The song is an ode to the Mississippi Queen and the boisterous, carefree lifestyle that it represents. The lyrics are full of sexual innuendos and a lustful energy, with the singer boasting about being with the Mississippi Queen herself. Even the repetition of the title Mississippi Queen seems to suggest a deep-seated admiration for this woman and the life she represents. The song's upbeat melody and blues-rock tones give the lyrics a sense of fun and ease, making it a classic rock hit that still resonates with listeners today.
Line by Line Meaning
Mississippi Queen, You know what I mean
The Mississippi Queen is a force to be reckoned with and cannot be described easily. Only those who have experienced her know what they mean.
Mississippi Queen, She taught me everything
The Mississippi Queen is more than just a boat or a woman; she taught the singer everything he knows.
Went down around Vicksburg, around Louisiana way
The singer traveled down the river to the southern states of Vicksburg and Louisiana to experience the Mississippi Queen.
Where lived the Cajun Lady, aboard the Mississippi Queen
The artist met the Cajun Lady aboard the Mississippi Queen, where she lived and danced.
You know she was a dancer, she moved better on wine
The Cajun Lady was a talented dancer who moved gracefully, especially after having a drink or two.
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine
While others were having a good time, the singer was focused on his own pleasure and desires.
Mississippi Queen, If you know what I mean
The Mississippi Queen must be experienced to truly understand her power and influence on those who cross her path.
Mississippi Queen, She taught me everything
The Mississippi Queen was a valuable teacher to the artist, imparting wisdom and knowledge that he still carries with him.
This lady she asked me, if I would be her man
You know that I told her, I'd do what I can
To keep her lookin' pretty, buy her dresses that shine
The Cajun Lady asked the artist to take care of her and he promised to do his best, including buying her beautiful dresses to make her feel special.
While the rest of them dudes were makin' their friends
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was loosin' mine
While others were making connections and friends, the artist was too focused on the Cajun Lady to worry about socializing.
You know she was a dancer, she moved better on wine
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine
The Cajun Lady continued to amaze the singer with her dancing skills and while others were enjoying themselves, the singer was consumed with his own pleasure and enjoyment.
Yeah, Mississippi Queen
The Mississippi Queen is a powerful force that will not easily be forgotten by those who have experienced her.
Lyrics ยฉ TuneCore Inc., BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: David Rea, Felix Pappalardi, Laurence Laing, Leslie A. Weinstein
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheRealUncleErnie
I saw them with and without Steve. They had another guitar player instead of Steve's keyboards. They were better with Steve than without.
@suprotwin
I have wondered about this exact thing that you mention. I used to be in bands as work when I was younger, and I have wondered; "Was Leslie's problem with Steve personal? Mountain seems like the perfect band to have keys whether its an elec. piano like this or with the organ like on Imaginary Western." From my experience I know that some musicians would rather say "I didn't like the keyboards" rather than " I didn't like the keyboard player".
The proof is in these TV performances to some degree, but to really know the answer, one would need the perspective you got of seeing them both ways. How cool, I'm so jealous. Thank you very much for commenting!
@kerrimiller3397
No doubt talent is where it's at
@TexanWineAunt
Smoking hot
@jerryhart4073
Total different song without keyboards and cowbell.
@sharonneth4231
Amen to THAT!
@conbitches
Imagine hearing this in 1970โฆ this was some of the hardest music that was out.
@spikeyvulpes
@THOMAS Keep rockin' on brother.
@freckledbaz929
bro imagine listening to actual talent lol i missed out
@gravy3858
@FreckledBaz 92 thereโs a lot talent around nowadays. you just arenโt looking hard enough