In deep south

When I was growing up

Looking back on sweetness

Looking back on the rough



The sun going down

Crickets at night

Amour sounds

And mosquito bites



Swatting at a fly

Hearing the neighbors talk

It's so hot you could fry

An egg on the sidewalk



Outside playing

Barefoot in the street

Tar will be sticking

To the bottom of my feet



Running and chasing after

The ice cream wagon

Mama, can I have a quarter

So I can get me one



On a good day, Mama'd make us

Sweet coffee milk

On bad day's she'd cuss

When something got spilled



Her daddy taught the Bible

Lake Charles to Monroe

Shreveport to Slydell

Batton Rouge to Tibadeux



He'd chew tobacco

Spit it out in a can

All the while hollering

Don't let the screen door slam



Her daddy's kind

Didn't spare the rod

Blinded by the fear

And the wrath of the Lord



He'd call us sinners

Say you're going to hell

Now finish your dinner

And tell 'em you fell



And when the blood came

Mama told her

She was unclean

And her mama would scold her



Mama always felt

Christian gilt

And then put to bed

Under a homemade quilt



God knows it rains

In Louisiana

But not enough to wash away

Sins of the father



God knows Mama

Loved her daughter

And they say that blood

Is thicker than water



Out in deep south

When I was growing up

Looking back on the sweetness

Looking back on the rough