Louisiana born and bred, Louisiana in my head
Guess there’s something to be said about the way I feel
I’ll never try to leave my home; I know I’d never leave alone
The bond here that has grown is much too real

(chorus)
From the tall oak trees that stand along your rivers
To the hurricanes that lash about your coast
And the spirit of the ages haunts your people
And some would even get to know the ghost
There are those who even get to know the ghost

Stood along a lonely bayou, watched the sun reflect the fresh dew
Knew that I could never leave you, this place is my world
Louisiana in my head, Spanish moss will be my bed
I’ve been starved and I’ve been fed but never alone

(chorus)

Rock me in your arms, Louisiana
Sing my life in all your Cajun tunes
My father and his fathers
They’ve all been loved by you
Our lives reflect the strength we draw from you

(chorus)

© 2014 Peter C. Marcantel

Background:

This song was born on the front porch of a houseboat parked deep in the south Louisiana marshlands. I was on a duck hunting trip with my dad and had brought my guitar along and my surroundings made a love song to my home country seem natural. Although I did, in fact, leave Louisiana to follow the road life laid out for me, the bond remains as strong as ever. The bayou country will always be home to me.

This song was first recorded by my sister, Nancy Tabb Marcantel and is on her Louisiana Makes Me Smile album.

For a related poem, see Louisiana Marshland. You might also enjoy my short story Signposts.