Monday, September 10, 2018

Marie Laveau - Silverstein

MARIE LAVEAU

Circa 1974
Shel Silverstein (1930-1999)

Down in Lou´siana where the black trees grow
Live a voodoo lady named Marie Laveaux.
She got a black cat tooth and a mojo bone,
And anyone wouldn´t leave her alone.
She go GREEEEEEEEEEEE...
Another man done gone.

She live in a swamp in a hollow log
With a one-eyed snake and a three-legged dog.
She got a bent bony body and stringy hair,
And if she ever seen you messin´ round there,
She go GREEEEEEEEEEEE...
Another man done gone.

And then one night when the moon was black,
Into the swamp came Handsome Jack.
A no-good man like you all know,
And he was lookin´ around for Marie Laveaux .
He said, "Marie Laveaux, you lovely witch,
Why don´t you gimme a little charm that´ll make me rich.
Gimme million dollars, and I´ll tell you what I´ll do...
This very night I´m gonna marry you."
It´ll be UMMMMMMMM...
Another man done gone.

So Marie done some magic and she shook a little sand,
Made a million dollars, and she put it in his hand.
Then she giggled and she wiggled and she said, "Hey hey,
I´m gettin´ ready for my wedding day."
But ol´ Handsome Jack said "Goo-bye Marie.
You too damn ugly for a man like me."
So Marie started shakin´, her fangs started gnashin´,
Her body started shakin´, and her eyes started flashin´.
She went GREEEEEEEEEEEE...
Another man done gone.

So if you ever get down where the black tree grow
And meet a voodoo lady named Marie Laveaux,
And if she ever asks you to make her your wife,
Man, you better stay with her for the rest of your life
Or it´ll be GREEEEEEEEEEEE...
Another man done gone.
© Shel Silverstein