Muddy Water
Lucette Lyrics

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Voices come in the eye of the storm about 16 years along
Put in the barrell but I wasn't armed
Mama had the loaded gun
Mama had the loaded gun
I've got a trouble in my hand and heaven pray
Clingin to the life stood by
Haunted by the memory of his dying day that echos on the mountain side
It echos on the mountain side

I wash my hands in muddy water
Wash my hands in muddy water
Mama in a town at the edge of the line and as (?) dwells under her shoes
Cryin for the wrath of my fathers pride hopin that he better leave soon
Hopin that he better leave soon
I wash my hands in muddy water
Wash my hands in muddy water
Wash my hands in muddy water
Wash my hands in muddy water
Wash my hands in muddy water
Wash my hands in muddy water

Wash my hands in muddy water
Wash my hands in muddy water

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Lucette's "Muddy Water" tell a story of a woman haunted by the memory of her father's death and struggling with the consequences of her family's violent past. The opening lines describe a turbulent time in her adolescence, where she was caught in the crossfire of violence and forced to confront the reality of her mother carrying a loaded gun. The chorus repeats the line "I wash my hands in muddy water," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer trying to cleanse herself from the sins of her past.

The second verse continues to delve into the theme of family dysfunction and violence, as the singer describes her mother crying and her father's pride causing destruction. The repeated chorus adds emphasis to the idea of trying to wash away the stains of the past. Despite the bleak subject matter, the song is carried by Lucette's beautiful vocals and a haunting melody that captures the pain and sadness of the lyrics.

Overall, "Muddy Water" is a powerful song that tackles heavy themes such as family trauma and the lingering effects of violence. It's a testament to Lucette's skill as a songwriter and performer that she's able to convey so much emotion in just a few short verses.

Line by Line Meaning

Voices come in the eye of the storm about 16 years along
Memories and thoughts reappear in moments of emotional turmoil, reminding me of events that happened about 16 years ago.

Put in the barrell but I wasn't armed
I was put in a tough situation, but I wasn't equipped to handle it.

Mama had the loaded gun
My mother was the one who had control over the situation and had all the power.

I've got a trouble in my hand and heaven pray
I am dealing with a troublesome situation and hope for guidance and help from a higher power.

Clingin to the life stood by
I am holding onto life and the things that matter to me.

Haunted by the memory of his dying day that echos on the mountain side
The memory of his death haunts me and echoes in my mind, like the sound of winds blowing across the mountain.

It echos on the mountain side
The memory of his death keeps coming back to me and feels like it is all around me.

I wash my hands in muddy water
I try to wash away my past and my troubles, but they still cling to me like the mud in the water.

Mama in a town at the edge of the line and as (?) dwells under her shoes
My mother lives in a town that is on the border between two different worlds, and she carries the weight of that on her shoulders.

Cryin for the wrath of my fathers pride hopin that he better leave soon
I am crying for my father's anger and pride to go away, and hoping that he will leave soon.

Wash my hands in muddy water
I continue to try and wash away my past and my troubles, even though they still cling to me.