About the song
Bobby Bare’s “Marie Laveau” is a captivating narrative that weaves together history, folklore, and the mystique of New Orleans. Written by Shel Silverstein, renowned for his imaginative storytelling and poetic lyrics, the song was featured on Bobby Bare’s 1974 album titled “Hard Time Hungrys.”
“Marie Laveau” tells the tale of the legendary Voodoo queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau, who was a prominent figure in the city’s cultural and spiritual landscape during the 19th century. Bobby Bare’s rendition of the song captures the essence of mystery and intrigue surrounding Marie Laveau’s life and legacy. With his distinctive voice and evocative storytelling, Bare brings the character of Marie Laveau to life, painting a vivid picture of her mystical powers and influence.
Upon its release, “Marie Laveau” achieved moderate success on the charts, peaking at number 26 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. Its reception highlighted Bobby Bare’s ability to interpret narrative-driven songs with depth and charisma, resonating with audiences drawn to both storytelling and Southern folklore.
Bobby Bare’s rendition of “Marie Laveau” has since become a classic in country music, celebrated for its blend of historical narrative and musical charm. The song continues to intrigue listeners with its portrayal of a legendary figure and the cultural richness of New Orleans.
Through “Marie Laveau,” Bobby Bare showcases his talent not only as a vocalist but also as a storyteller who captures the imagination and spirit of a bygone era. The song’s enduring popularity underscores its status as a timeless piece of Americana, firmly rooted in the folklore and traditions of the Deep South.
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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