About the song
Jerry Reed, a country music legend known for his distinctive guitar playing and humorous lyrics, penned “Amos Moses” as a playful and entertaining tale of friendship and adventure. This catchy tune, released in 1972, became a hit single and a staple of Reed’s live performances.
With its upbeat tempo and Reed’s signature twangy vocals, “Amos Moses” tells the story of a mischievous mule who loves to cause trouble. The song’s humorous lyrics and Reed’s playful delivery make it a delightful and enjoyable listening experience.
The opening lines, “Amos Moses was a mule, a mean, ornery mule,” immediately establish the song’s quirky protagonist. The lyrics continue to describe Amos’s mischievous antics, from chasing chickens to causing a commotion at a church picnic. Reed’s skillful guitar playing adds a playful and energetic element to the song, making it even more enjoyable.
“Amos Moses” is more than just a fun and catchy song; it is a testament to Reed’s songwriting ability and his ability to create memorable characters. The song’s humorous and lighthearted tone make it a perfect choice for listeners of all ages, while also showcasing Reed’s talent as a country music entertainer.
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Lyrics
Yeah, here comes Amos
Now Amos Moses was a Cajun
He lived by himself in the swamp
He hunted alligator for a living
He’d just knock them in the head with a stump
The Louisiana law gonna get you, Amos
It ain’t legal hunting alligator down in the swamp, boy
Now everyone blamed his old man
For making him mean as a snake
When Amos Moses was a boy
His daddy would use him for alligator bait
Tie a rope around his base and throw him in the swamp (hahaha)
Alligator bait in the Louisiana bayou
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a man called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah
Well, they raised up a son that could eat up his weight in groceries
Named him after a man of the cloth
Called him Amos Moses, yeah (haha)
Now the folks from down south Louisiana
Said Amos was a hell of a man
He could trap the biggest, the meanest alligator
And he’d just use one hand
That’s all he got left ’cause an alligator bit it (hahaha)
Left arm gone clear up to the elbow
Well the sheriff caught wind that Amos
Was in the swamp trapping alligator skin
So he snuck in the swamp to gon’ and get the boy
But he never come out again
Well, I wonder where the Louisiana sheriff went to
Well, you can sure get lost in the Louisiana bayou
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a cat called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah
Well, they raised up a son that could eat up his weight in groceries
Named him after a man of the cloth
Called him Amos Moses
Sit down on ’em Amos!
Make it count son
About forty-five minutes southeast of Thibodaux, Louisiana
Lived a man called Doc Millsap and his pretty wife Hannah