About the song
Bobby Bare’s “Marie Laveau” is a captivating country song that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Released in 1969, this song not only showcases Bare’s distinctive storytelling abilities but also reflects his knack for bringing compelling characters and narratives to life through music.
Written by the talented songwriter Shel Silverstein, known for his imaginative and often unconventional lyrics, “Marie Laveau” tells the intriguing story of a legendary figure in Louisiana folklore. Marie Laveau, often referred to as the “Voodoo Queen of New Orleans,” is depicted with a mix of reverence and colorful detail in Silverstein’s lyrics. Bare’s rendition of this song brings Silverstein’s vivid storytelling to the forefront, combining it with his own engaging vocal style to create a memorable listening experience.
“Marie Laveau” was featured on Bobby Bare’s album The Best of Bobby Bare, which was released in 1969. This album helped to cement Bare’s reputation as a leading figure in country music, showcasing his versatility and his ability to connect with listeners through powerful narratives and heartfelt performances. The song achieved significant success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. This chart-topping position highlighted the song’s wide appeal and the growing recognition of Bobby Bare’s talent.
For those who appreciate classic country music, “Marie Laveau” offers a rich example of how Bobby Bare could bring both charm and depth to his performances. The song’s engaging story and Bare’s expressive delivery make it a standout track that continues to captivate audiences. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, “Marie Laveau” remains a testament to Bobby Bare’s exceptional skill as a storyteller and his lasting impact on the world of country music.
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Lyrics
The most famous of the voodoo queens that ever existed
Is Marie Laveau, down in Louisiana
There’s a lot of weird ungodly tales about Marie
She’s supposed to have a lot of magic potions, spells and curses
Down in Louisiana, where the black trees grow
Lives a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau
She got a black cat’s tooth and a Mojo bone
And anyone who wouldn’t leave her alone
She’d go… another man done gone
She lives in a swamp in a hollow log
With a one-eyed snake and a three-legged dog
Bent, bony body, and stringy hair
And if she ever seen y’all messin’ ’round there
She’d go… another man done gone
And then one night when the moon was black
Into the swamp come handsome Jack
A no good man like you all know
And he was lookin’ around for Marie Laveau
He said, “Marie Laveau, you lovely witch
Gimme a little charm that’ll make me rich
Gimme a million dollars and I tell you what I’ll do
This very night, I’m gonna marry you”
Then it’ll be (mm), another man done gone
So Marie done some magic, and she shook a little sand
Made a million dollars, and she put it in his hand
Then she giggled, and she wiggled, and she said, “Hey, hey
I’m gettin’ ready for my weddin’ day”
But old handsome Jack, he said, “Goodbye Marie
You’re too damned ugly for a rich man like me”
Then Marie started mumblin’, her fangs started gnashin’
Her body started tremblin’, and her eyes started flashin’
And she went… another man done gone
So if you ever get down where the black trees grow
And meet a voodoo lady named Marie Laveau
If she ever asks you to make her your wife
Man, you better stay with her for the rest of your life
Or it’ll be (ooh-wee) another man done gone