The sisters, Laura and Lydia Rogers, are from Muscle Shoals, Alabama located in Colbert County. Colbert county neighbors Tishomingo County incorporating Iuka, Mississippi. Iuka, Mississippi once was once known as the "Marriage Capital of the South". Couples from the tri-state area (Northeast Mississippi, Northwest Alabama, and Southern Tennessee) would elope to Iuka to be married. Parents consent was not necessary at that time. Approximately 44,000 people were married at the old Tishomingo County Courthouse in Iuka, Mississippi.
The song is a murder ballad from an angry father's perspective,
Iuka
The Secret Sisters Lyrics
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I've got a thousand tales about the temper of that man
He'd shoot a man who came within a mile of my young frame
But I know that you will take the risk so I can take your name
You've got the ring, I've got the keys, and sixty miles ahead
Iuka, Mississippi where the two of us will wed
'Fore he knows the two of us have up and gone
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
We can run away and never come home
never come home
My Daddy finally knocked a little sense right into me
So I asked around until I found the Justice of the Peace
The bruises on my body can't be hidden anymore
So park your car up on the hill, I'm headed out the door
Step easy so my daddy doesn't hear us sneak away
Hang around he'll shoot you down that's why we just can't stay
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
'Fore he knows the two of us have up and gone
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
We can run away and never come home
Follow close behind me, not much further now
Always just a shadow, I didn't hear a sound
Ain't no way he heard us, Ain't no way he'll come
I hear someone breathin', hold my hand and run
Somewhere in the river there's a gun the devil owned
Somehow everybody knew that everything was wrong
A noose up in the maple tree; the old man's gonna pay
Two headstones for two lovers who finally got away
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
'Fore he knows the two of us have up and gone
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
We can run away and never come home
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
'Fore he knows the two of us have up and gone
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
We can run away and never come home
Never come home
The Secret Sisters's song "Iuka" tells the story of a woman who is in love with a man and they plan to run away together. However, the woman's father is highly protective of her and can be violent towards potential suitors. Despite this, the woman trusts that her lover is willing to take the risk of being shot by her father in order to be with her. They have already planned their wedding in Iuka, Mississippi and hope to start a new life together away from the violence and abuse.
The second part of the song reveals more about the woman's situation at home. She is covered in bruises and decides to take matters into her own hands by finding a Justice of the Peace to marry her and her lover. They sneak away, trying to avoid her father's notice, and make their way to Iuka. However, they are aware of the danger they face if they are caught, as her father may shoot both of them. The tension builds as they make their way through the night, but they eventually arrive safely in Iuka and are able to have their wedding without interruption.
The song tells a powerful and emotional story of love, fear, and escape. It highlights the bravery of the couple in the face of danger and the importance of finding a way out of dangerous and abusive situations.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd never tell a man to ask my daddy for my hand
I would never expect someone to approach my father for my hand in marriage, given his irritable nature.
I've got a thousand tales about the temper of that man
I have a plethora of stories detailing my father's short temper and aggressive nature.
He'd shoot a man who came within a mile of my young frame
My father would be willing to use violence against anyone who threatens my safety, regardless of their intentions.
But I know that you will take the risk so I can take your name
I believe that you are willing to take the risk of incurring my father's wrath in order to marry me and take my last name.
You've got the ring, I've got the keys, and sixty miles ahead
You have the engagement ring, I have the car keys, and we have to travel sixty miles to get to our wedding destination.
Iuka, Mississippi where the two of us will wed
Our wedding venue is located in Iuka, Mississippi.
Take me down to Iuka, Mississippi
Please take me to Iuka, Mississippi.
'Fore he knows the two of us have up and gone
Before my father realizes that we have left.
We can run away and never come home
We have the option to leave and never return to our old lives.
My Daddy finally knocked a little sense right into me
My father's aggressive behavior made me realize the need to escape his control.
So I asked around until I found the Justice of the Peace
I searched for and found a Justice of the Peace to officiate our wedding in a low-key and private manner.
The bruises on my body can't be hidden anymore
I have physical evidence of my father's abusive behavior, which can no longer be concealed.
So park your car up on the hill, I'm headed out the door
Please park the car on the hill and wait for me while I leave the house.
Step easy so my daddy doesn't hear us sneak away
We need to be silent as we sneak away, in order to avoid alerting my father.
Hang around he'll shoot you down that's why we just can't stay
My father would harm you if he saw you, which is why we need to leave right away.
Follow close behind me, not much further now
Please follow closely behind me, as our destination is nearby.
Always just a shadow, I didn't hear a sound
I tried to stay quiet and blend into the shadows, so as not to attract attention.
Ain't no way he heard us, Ain't no way he'll come
I don't believe that my father heard us leave, nor do I think he'll follow us.
I hear someone breathin', hold my hand and run
I can hear someone breathing nearby, so please hold my hand as we run away.
Somewhere in the river there's a gun the devil owned
There is some evidence, hidden in the river, that suggests my father's involvement in violent behavior.
Somehow everybody knew that everything was wrong
There was an unspoken awareness that something was deeply wrong within our family.
A noose up in the maple tree; the old man's gonna pay
There is a noose in the maple tree that suggests my father's involvement in vigilantism, and he will be held accountable for his actions.
Two headstones for two lovers who finally got away
There are two headstones for us, symbolizing our escape from our past and our newfound freedom together.
Never come home
We have no intentions of ever returning to our previous lives.
Lyrics © CHRSALYIS MUSIC GROUP INC
Written by: DANIEL DODD WILSON, LAURA ROGERS, LYDIA ROGERS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind