'Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man': The Story Behind Loretta & Conway's  Classic Duet

About the song

In the annals of country music history, few pairings have been as iconic and beloved as that of Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn. Their voices, as distinctive as they were complementary, blended seamlessly to create a sound that resonated with audiences across generations. Among the many gems in their vast repertoire, the 1973 duet “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” stands out as a timeless classic, a poignant ballad that captures the essence of love amidst geographical separation.

A Song of Love and Distance

“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” paints a vivid picture of star-crossed lovers, a Louisiana woman and a Mississippi man, bound by an unwavering love that defies the miles that keep them apart. The song’s opening lines, sung by Twitty, introduce the Mississippi man, yearning for his beloved across the mighty Mississippi River:

“I’m a Mississippi man, you’re a

Louisiana woman Livin’ on opposite sides of the mighty Mississip’

But I’ve got a love for you that’s stronger than the river

And I know someday I’ll be comin’ across to you”

Lynn’s response, equally heartfelt, echoes his sentiment, her voice laced with the longing of a Louisiana woman who dreams of reuniting with her love:

“I’m a Louisiana woman, born and raised on bayou

But I’m hopin’ and prayin’ someday I’ll be with you

I’ll cross that Mississippi, swimmin’ if I have to

‘Cause my love for you is stronger than the river too”

A Timeless Ballad of Love and Hope

The song’s verses continue to paint vivid imagery of their respective homelands, the Louisiana woman describing her moss-draped bayou and the Mississippi man his cotton fields and levee banks. Yet, despite their physical separation, their connection remains unbreakable, their love a beacon of hope that transcends distance.

“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” is more than just a love song; it’s a testament to the enduring power of love to overcome obstacles and unite hearts, even when separated by miles or even rivers. The song’s message of hope and resilience has resonated with countless listeners over the decades, making it a true classic of country music.

Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn’s Enduring Legacy

Twitty and Lynn’s duet on “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” is a shining example of their vocal chemistry and their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. The song’s success further solidified their status as country music royalty, and it remains a beloved favorite among fans of the genre to this day.

“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” is a timeless ballad that captures the essence of love, longing, and hope. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, continuing to touch the hearts of listeners across generations. With its unforgettable melody, relatable lyrics, and powerful vocal performances by Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, “Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man” is a true gem of country music history.

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Lyrics

“Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man”

[Conway Twitty:]
Hey, Louisiana woman
[Loretta Lynn:]
Mississippi man
[Both:]
We get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
[Conway Twitty:]
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
[Loretta Lynn:]
Too much love in this Louisiana heart[Conway Twitty:]
See the alligators all a waitin’ nearby
Sooner or later, they know I’m gonna try
When she waved from the bank
Don’t you know I know
It’s a-goodbye fishin’ line, see you while I go
With a Louisiana woman waitin’ on the other side
The Mississippi River don’t look so wide[Conway Twitty:]
Louisiana woman
[Loretta Lynn:]
Mississippi man
[Both:]
We get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
[Conway Twitty:]
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
[Loretta Lynn:]
Too much love in this Louisiana heart

[Loretta Lynn:]
Well, I thought I’d been loved, but I never had
‘Til I was wrapped in the arms of a Mississippi man
When he holds me close, it feels almost
Like another hurricane just ripped the coast
If he can’t come to me, I’m gonna go to him
That Mississippi River, Lord, I’m gonna swim

[Conway Twitty:]
Hey, Louisiana woman
[Loretta Lynn:]
Mississippi man
[Both:]
We get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
[Conway Twitty:]
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
[Loretta Lynn:]
Too much love in this Louisiana heart

[Conway Twitty:]
Well, Mississippi River, Lord, it’s one mile wide
And I’m gotta get me to the other side
[Loretta Lynn:]
Mississippi man, I’m a-losin’ my mind
Gotta have your lovin’ one more time
[Conway Twitty:]
I’m gonna jump in the river and here I go
Too bad, alligator, you swim too slow

[Conway Twitty:]
Hey, Louisiana woman
[Loretta Lynn:]
Mississippi man
[Both:]
We get together every time we can
The Mississippi River can’t keep us apart
[Conway Twitty:]
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
[Loretta Lynn:]
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
[Conway Twitty:]
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
[Loretta Lynn:]
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
[Conway Twitty:]
Hey, there’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
[Loretta Lynn:]
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
[Conway Twitty:]
There’s too much love in this Mississippi heart
[Loretta Lynn:]
Too much love in this Louisiana heart
[Conway Twitty:]
Hey

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