Lyrics
She was black as the night
She, the girl, was dark-skinned.
Louie was whiter than white
Louie, the protagonist, had a fair complexion.
Danger, danger when you taste brown suga'
Warning of potential problems when experiencing the sweetness of a relationship with someone of a different race ("brown suga').
Louie fell in love overnight
Louie fell deeply in love quickly.
Nothing bad, it was good
The relationship was positive, without any negative aspects.
Louie had the best girl he could
Louie had a great romantic partner.
When she took him home
When she brought him home.
To meet her mama and papa
Introducing Louie to her parents.
Louie knew just where he stood
Louie felt secure in his relationship.
Louie Louie Louie, Louie Louie Louie Lou I
Repetition of Louie's name, possibly emphasizing his identity or the intensity of the situation.
Louie Louie Louie, Louie Louie you're gonna cry
Warning that Louie will face difficulties or heartbreak.
There he stood in the night
Louie standing in a challenging situation.
Knowing what's wrong from what's right
Awareness of distinguishing right from wrong.
He took her home to meet his mama and papa
Reciprocal introduction, but Louie faces fear.
Man, he had a terrible fright
Louie experiences intense fear.
Louie nearly caused a scene
Louie almost causes a disturbance or conflict.
Wishin' it was a dream
Wishing the distressing situation was just a dream.
Ain't no diff'rence between black and white
Asserting there is no real difference between people of different races.
Brothers, you know what I mean
Encouraging unity among brothers, emphasizing common understanding.
Louie Louie Louie, Louie Louie Louie Lou I
Repetition of Louie's name, maintaining emphasis.
Louie Louie Louie, Louie Louie you're gonna cry
Reiteration of the warning that Louie will experience emotional pain.
Comment