Evangeline
Evangeline's Heartache: Tales of Love and Loss on the Mississippi
Lyrics
She stands on the bank of the mighty Mississippi
Depicts Evangeline standing on the bank of the Mississippi River.
Alone in the pale moonlight
Highlights the solitude of Evangeline in the moonlight.
Waitin' for a man, a riverboat gambler
Describes Evangeline waiting for a riverboat gambler.
Said that he'd return tonight
References the gambler's promise to return that night.
They used to waltz on the banks of the mighty Mississippi
Recalls past moments of waltzing on the riverbanks.
Lovin' the whole night through
Portrays a scene of love lasting throughout the night.
'Til the riverboat gambler went off to make a killing
Narrates how the gambler left to seek fortune.
And bring it on back to you.
Expresses the hope that he will return with winnings.
Evangeline, Evangeline
Addresses Evangeline directly, emphasizing her significance.
Curses the soul of the Mississippi Queen
Implies a curse on the Mississippi Queen for taking her man.
That pulled her man away.
Reiterates the impact of the Queen's actions on Evangeline.
Bayou Sam, from South Louisian'
Introduces Bayou Sam, a character with a gambling inclination.
Had gambling in his veins
Highlights gambling as an inherent part of Bayou Sam's character.
Evangeline, from the Maritimes
Describes Evangeline's origin from the Maritimes.
Was slowly goin' insane.
Suggests Evangeline's mental state deteriorating slowly.
High on the top of Hickory Hill
Places Evangeline on Hickory Hill during a storm.
She stands in the lightnin' and thunder
Emphasizes the dramatic setting with lightning and thunder.
Down on the river the boat was a-sinkin'
Reports the sinking of a boat on the river.
She watched that queen go under
Depicts Evangeline witnessing the Queen's demise.
Evangeline, Evangeline
Repeats the curse on the Mississippi Queen.
Curses the soul of the Mississippi Queen
Reiterates the impact of the Queen's actions on Evangeline.
That pulled her man away.
Restates Evangeline's resentment towards the Queen.
Evangeline, Evangeline
Repeats the address to Evangeline, emphasizing her curse.
Curses the soul of the Mississippi Queen
Reiterates the curse's focus on the Mississippi Queen.
That pulled her man away.
Concludes with the persistent theme of blaming the Queen.
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