About the song
“Amos Moses” is a distinctive and lively track by the talented Jerry Reed, released in 1970. This song showcases Reed’s unique blend of country, Southern rock, and storytelling, making it a standout piece in his rich discography.
Jerry Reed, known for his charismatic presence and inventive guitar work, recorded “Amos Moses” for his album Georgia Sunshine. This album, which highlights Reed’s flair for combining humor with music, includes “Amos Moses” as one of its most memorable tracks. The song exemplifies Reed’s talent for creating engaging narratives that resonate with listeners.
The song was written by Jerry Reed himself, reflecting his exceptional songwriting ability. “Amos Moses” tells the entertaining story of a Cajun man named Amos Moses who, despite his rough exterior and challenging life, takes pride in his ability to handle wild alligators. The track’s upbeat tempo and vivid lyrics paint a colorful picture of life in the Louisiana swamps, capturing the listener’s imagination with its catchy chorus and playful storytelling.
Upon its release, “Amos Moses” achieved notable success on the charts. It climbed to number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, highlighting its appeal and Reed’s growing prominence in the country music scene. The song’s success helped solidify Jerry Reed’s reputation as a versatile artist with a knack for combining humor and music.
Jerry Reed’s “Amos Moses” remains a cherished classic for its vibrant energy and inventive storytelling. It stands as a testament to Reed’s unique style and his ability to craft songs that are both entertaining and memorable, continuing to delight fans of country music and storytelling alike.
Video
Lyrics
Yeah, here comes Amos
Now Amos Moses was a Cajun
He lived by himself in the swamp
He hunted alligator for a living
He’d just knock them in the head with a stump
The Louisiana law gonna get you, Amos
It ain’t legal hunting alligator down in the swamp, boy
Now everyone blamed his old man
For making him mean as a snake
When Amos Moses was a boy
His daddy would use him for alligator bait
Tie a rope around his base and throw him in the swamp (hahaha)
Alligator bait in the Louisiana bayou
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a man called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah
Well, they raised up a son that could eat up his weight in groceries
Named him after a man of the cloth
Called him Amos Moses, yeah (haha)
Now the folks from down south Louisiana
Said Amos was a hell of a man
He could trap the biggest, the meanest alligator
And he’d just use one hand
That’s all he got left ’cause an alligator bit it (hahaha)
Left arm gone clear up to the elbow
Well the sheriff caught wind that Amos
Was in the swamp trapping alligator skin
So he snuck in the swamp to gon’ and get the boy
But he never come out again
Well, I wonder where the Louisiana sheriff went to
Well, you can sure get lost in the Louisiana bayou
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a cat called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah
Well, they raised up a son that could eat up his weight in groceries
Named him after a man of the cloth
Called him Amos Moses
Sit down on ’em Amos!
Make it count son
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a man called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah