Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of a return to a specific, cherished place after a long absence. The narrator, Anna I, speaks of coming back to Louisiana, a location imbued with a sense of home and belonging, marked by the "moon on the Mississippi." This return is framed by a seven-year period spent in "big towns" focused on financial gain, suggesting a deliberate pursuit of wealth before reconnecting with their roots.
The dominant emotional tone is one of nostalgic anticipation and a sense of accomplishment. The repetition of "coming back to you" and the detailed description of their "little house beside the Mississippi" underscore a deep yearning for this familiar setting. The phrase "our fortune's made" signals a successful conclusion to their time away, allowing for this homecoming. The brief interjection from Anna II confirms the shared sentiment and the reality of this return.
The contrast between the "big towns" where money is made and the "little house in old Louisiana" is a key element. It highlights a deliberate choice to prioritize material success for a period, only to find fulfillment in returning to a simpler, more personal sense of place. The moon shining on the Mississippi serves as a constant, guiding image of this beloved home.
This epilogue effectively captures the feeling of returning home after achieving external goals. The lyrics suggest that true satisfaction comes not just from financial success, but from reconnecting with the places and people that hold personal significance. The simple, declarative statements and the gentle imagery create a warm, contented atmosphere of homecoming.
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