Raised in Burlington, Vermont, Thibaud moved to Boston in 1987 to master his craft and pursue his dream. "When I first got there, the music scene was mostly alternative rock and more hardcore stuff. I would get mislabeled as a 'Country Act', but by the 1990's it diversified and there was room for more rootsy Americana stuff."
Todd's songs are a slice of what life is really like...the pains and pleasures, love lost and life reborn. Thibaud recorded two critically lauded albums for Doolittle Records, 1998's Favorite Waste of Time (produced by Bostonian musician Kevin Salem) and 1999's Little Mystery. Using songwriters like Elvis Costello, Neil Finn, and John Hiatt for inspiration, Thibaud built a sound that is entirely his own.
Louisiana
Todd Thibaud Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails in Louisiana, down in Biloxi and Alabama
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails in Louisiana, down in Biloxi and Alabama
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails in Louisiana, down in Biloxi and Alabama
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails!
And you can leave them there, you can walk away
You can point your guns, and hope they'll stay
But they will fold their hands, and start to pray
A little faith can heal heart that's been betrayed
They're pounding nails!
They're pounding nails!
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
They're pounding nails in Louisiana, down in Biloxi and Alabama
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
Yeah they're pounding nails!
The lyrics to Todd Thibaud's "Louisiana" give a sense of the hardship and struggle happening in that state, as workers pound nails in construction sites throughout Louisiana, Biloxi, and Alabama. The repetition of the same lyrics throughout the song emphasizes the laboriousness of the work that is being done, and the stoic acceptance of the workers who continue on. The line "You can leave them there, you can walk away" suggests a level of indifference towards these workers, as if they are simply part of the scenery rather than individuals with their own struggles and stories. However, the following lines "But they will fold their hands, and start to pray/A little faith can heal a heart that's been betrayed" indicates that these workers have their own ways of coping and finding strength.
The song paints a picture of a hardworking community who may not have it easy, but who find comfort in their faith and in the work that they do. The imagery of pounding nails and the repetition of the line "they're pounding nails" gives a sense of the work ethic and the perseverance that is required in such a job. Overall, the lyrics of "Louisiana" suggest a blue-collar community with a strong sense of faith and fortitude.
Line by Line Meaning
They're pounding nails in Louisiana they're pounding nails
Construction workers are actively hammering nails to build structures in Louisiana.
They're pounding nails in Louisiana, down in Biloxi and Alabama
Nail pounding is also taking place in nearby areas, such as Biloxi, Mississippi and Alabama.
And you can leave them there, you can walk away
You can ignore the ongoing construction and simply walk away.
You can point your guns, and hope they'll stay
Despite possible conflict, attempts to stop the workers from their tasks won't be effective as they will continue working.
But they will fold their hands, and start to pray
Workers will remain calm and resort to their faith in times of trouble.
A little faith can heal heart that's been betrayed
Through the power of faith, even those who have experienced betrayal can find healing.
They're pounding nails!
Once again, hammering nails on construction sites is happening.
Contributed by Thomas R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@phil7874
Todd, if you read this brother. This song got me through some hard times my man. Bless you and your music. Not that you need to hear it, but keep making this beautiful shit my man
@toddthibaud
Thank you, Phil. That means a lot. I appreciate it my friend.
@ksb507
Have been a fan for years after hearing 9 Tree Falls and just "rediscovered" you again after picking my guitar up to play after a 2 or 3 year hiatus. I forgot how much i love your music.
@toddthibaud
Can’t tell you how much I appreciate your message. Thank you!
@outfoxed2006
Lyrics penned with the blood of a wounded soul. An epic lament that will forever tug at my heartstrings.
@toddthibaud
I hope you'll forgive the incredibly late reply. There were several comments on my page that I missed for some reason. I'm sorry that yours was one of them. Thank you for your kind comment, and for checking out my music!
@Ash-em1ch
Not only is this an awesome song, but I think it says something about the artist when he comes back and responds to YouTube comments. Class act, all around.
@toddthibaud
On that note...I hope you'll forgive this incredibly late reply. There were several comments on my page that I missed for some reason. I'm sorry that yours was one of them. Thank you for listening, and for your kind note so long ago! Hope you are well!
@TheElbasheena
After hearing this sing for the first time I fell in love with it. I can't get it out of my head and I'm so happy to know good music still exists! Thanks Todd
@toddthibaud
I hope you'll forgive the incredibly late reply. There were several comments on my page that I missed for some reason. I'm sorry that yours was one of them. Thank you for listening!