The lyrics of Dave Edmunds's song "Louisiana Man" tell the story of a family living on the banks of a river in Louisiana. The protagonist, the little boy Ned, is raised by his Mom and Poppa in a houseboat tied to a tall tree. The song describes Poppa as a hardworking man who wakes up early and is ready to go by half-past five. He goes fishing on the Louisiana river, setting traps in the swamp to catch anything he can in order to make a living for his family. The family relies on fishing and trapping animals, such as muskrats, in order to survive. The song emphasizes Poppa's dedication to his family and his determination to provide for them. He works tirelessly, fishing for big fish and drying muskrat hides in the hot sun to turn them into money. The repetition of the phrase "Gonna make a livin', he's a Louisiana man" reinforces Poppa's strong work ethic and his commitment to his family's well-being. Overall, "Louisiana Man" celebrates the resilience and hard work of ordinary people living off the land in Louisiana, highlighting the importance of family and the challenges they face in making a living.
