Introduction:
Ah yes, Creole Woman, a track that landed with a distinct Cajun twang in 2008. Released by the ever-outspoken Toby Keith, this song became a staple for fans of his brand of Southern rock, a genre he’s championed throughout his career.
Keith, a singer-songwriter known for his brash patriotism and working-class anthems, took a bit of a detour with Creole Woman. This song delves into the swamps and bayous of Louisiana, a world rich with its own musical heritage. While Keith sticks to his signature country sound, the influence of zydeco and swamp pop – distinctly Creole genres – weave their way into the melody and lyrics.
Creole Woman wasn’t a chart-topping smash hit, but it resonated with listeners who appreciated a bit of variety in Keith’s repertoire. The song wasn’t produced by a big-name Nashville hitmaker, but by Keith himself, which adds a certain personal touch. It’s a testament to his confidence as a musician that he felt comfortable exploring a sound outside his usual wheelhouse.
The beauty of Creole Woman lies in its storytelling. The unnamed narrator finds himself drawn to a mysterious Creole woman, a femme fatale who disrupts his usual routine. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the Louisiana landscape, with its steamy nights, whispering snakes, and ever-present alligators. The woman herself is an enigma – alluring yet dangerous, with a hint of trouble simmering beneath the surface.
Keith’s gruff vocals perfectly capture the narrator’s internal struggle. He’s both captivated and wary of this exotic woman, a stark contrast to the “Southern belles” he’s accustomed to. The song’s melody, with its prominent use of the accordion, adds a layer of mystery and intrigue. It’s a departure from the usual twang of a Telecaster guitar that often defines country music.
Creole Woman might not be Toby Keith’s most commercially successful song, but it’s a fascinating glimpse into the artist’s creative restlessness. It’s a song that showcases his ability to not only deliver his signature sound but also explore the rich tapestry of American music, venturing beyond the borders of traditional country. It’s a song best enjoyed with a tall glass of sweet tea, eyes closed, and letting yourself be transported to the heart of the Louisiana bayou.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Creole Woman”
I wasn’t stayin’ long, I was a wanted man
The aire was thick with danger, I watched the vixens dance
My six gun in my pocket, my pistol in my pants
I let her walk up on me, she pinned me to the door
She said she swore she knew me, we’d never met before
She pressed up hard against me, I stared into her eyes
She grabbed my face and kissed me, she had me hypnotized[Chorus]
I’m runnin’ down the road, can’t find the interstate
It’s like I’m being followed and I can’t get away
The snakes and alligators, they whisper in the wind
I hear her calling to me, I turn around again
Cry of a Creole woman
Woke up the devil down in me
She took me to her bedroom, smelled like a cheap hotel
Never had a Cajun queen, I’m used to Southern belles
But through the smoky billows of my tobacco leaves
I watched her in the mirror as she was lovin’ me
[Repeat Chorus]
What’s this you wicked woman, some kind of voodoo game?
Hell I haven’t slept since Thursday, don’t even know your name
This spell you got me under, got just one remedy
Just like a poison potion, that goes down smooth and sweet