"Mississippi Queen" is a song by the American rock band Mountain. Considered a rock classic, it was their most successful single, reaching number 21 in the Billboard Hot 100 record chart in 1970.
"Mississippi Queen" was recorded during the sessions for Mountain's 1970 debut album Climbing! According to drummer Corky Laing, he had developed some of the lyrics and the drum part prior to his joining the band.
Later, when guitarist Leslie West was looking for lyrics for a guitar part he had written, Laing pulled out "The Queen" and the two worked out the song together; bassist/producer Felix Pappalardi and lyricist David Rea also received songwriting credits.
When the group proceeded to record "Mississippi Queen", Pappalardi insisted on numerous takes. Growing weary, Laing started using the cowbell to count off the song. Pappalardi liked it so much he left it in the mix, creating the song's recognizable intro.
Lyrics
Mississippi Queen You know what I mean Mississippi Queen She taught me everything
Went down around Vicksburg Around Louisiana way Where lived the Cajun Lady Aboard the Mississippi Queen
You know she was a dancer She moved better on wine
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine
Mississippi Queen If you know what I mean Mississippi Queen She taught me everything
This lady she asked me If I would be her man You know that I told her I'd do what I can
To keep her lookin' pretty Buy her dresses that shine
While the rest of them dudes were makin' their friends Boy, I beg your pardon, I was loosin' mine
You know she was a dancer She moved better on wine
While the rest of them dudes were gettin' their kicks Boy, I beg your pardon, I was gettin' mine
Yeah, Mississippi Queen
Songwriters: David Rea / Felix Pappalardi / Laurence Laing / Leslie A. Weinstein Mississippi Queen lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group