Lakes of Ponchartrain
Journey of Love and Loss by the Lakes of Pontchartrain
Lyrics
Through streams and bogs and under bush, I made my weary way,
Traveling through challenging terrain, such as streams and bogs.
Though windfalls thick and devil's floods, my aching feet did stray.
Navigating obstacles like windfalls and floods with painful feet.
Until at last by evening start, on higher ground I gained,
Reaching higher ground by the evening.
And there I met with a Creole girl, by the Lakes of Pontchartrain.
Encountering a Creole girl at the Lakes of Pontchartrain.
Good evening to you Creole girl, my money is no good,
Greeting the Creole girl, offering money but fearing alligators.
Although I fear the gators, well I must defend the wood.
Expressing the need to defend the wood despite the danger.
You are welcome here kind stranger, my house is very plain,
Creole girl warmly welcomes the stranger despite a modest house.
But we never turn a stranger out, by the Lakes of Pontchartrain.
Emphasizing hospitality, never turning away strangers at the Lakes.
She took me to her mammy's house, and she treated me right well,
Creole girl takes the stranger to her mother's house, treating him well.
The hair around her shoulders, in them jet black ringlets fell.
Describing the physical beauty of the Creole girl with black ringlets.
I'd try to describe her beauty, but I find the words in vain,
Expressing difficulty in capturing the girl's beauty with words.
So beautiful that Creole girl, by the Lakes of Pontchartrain.
Highlighting the extraordinary beauty of the Creole girl.
Well I asked if she'd marry me, she said that could not be,
Asking the Creole girl to marry, but she declines due to loving a sailor.
Because she loved a sailor, and he's far away at sea.
Explaining the sailor's absence at sea, making marriage impossible.
She said that she would marry him, and true she would remain,
Committing to wait for the sailor, even if he never returns.
Even through he never did comeback, to the Lakes of Pontchartrain.
(Empty line)
So farewell farwell you Creole girl, I'll ne'er see you no more,
Promising not to forget her and expressing gratitude for her hospitality.
I'll ne'er forget your kindness, in the cottage by the shore.
Recollecting the memories and toasting to the Creole girl at social gatherings.
And at each social gathering, a flowing glass I'd drain,
Raising a glass and wishing health to the Creole girl at the Lakes.
And I drink a health to the Creole girl, by the Lakes of Pontchartrain
(Empty line)
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