Mississippi John Phillips - written by John Phillips - as recorded by John Phillips on his 1970 self-titled album (Dunhill 50077) - single (Dunhill 4236) released May 16, 1970 - entered the Billboard Top 40 the week of June 20, 1970 and Stayed for 7 weeks, peaking at #32 the week of July 18, 1970 Hit it, Hal {Drums: Hal Blaine} Early in the mornin', she hitched a ride down to Louisville Holdin' onto a hundred dollar bill Dressed herself like a Cajun Queen in New Orleans, baby Yeah, she looked good, like a lady Do it to me, James {Dobro: James Burton} And the Mississippi River runs like molasses in the summertime And me, you know, I don't hardly mind Sippin' on a beer in Bourbon Street and I'm sittin' easy Don't get me wrong, it takes a lot to please me Have a seat an' take a load off your feet, and she said "Yes" So I said, "I like your dress" Swamps all around make ya feel kinda funny, don't they, honey She crossed her legs and looked at me funny Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin' Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin' (what you're doin') Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin' Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin' Joseph {Bass: Joe Osborn} Early in the mornin', she hitched a ride down to Louisville (Louisville) Holdin' onto a hundred dollar bill Dressed herself like a Cajun Queen in New Orleans, baby Yeah, she looked good, like a lady And the Mississippi River, it runs like molasses in the summertime And me, you know, I don't hardly mind Sippin' on a beer in Bourbon Street and I'm sittin' easy Don't get me wrong, it takes a lot to please me Everybody sing Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin' Down on the bayou, why, you never know just what you're doin'