Seven Rings for the Voodoo Queen

I met her down in New Orleans, Where the river runs black at night, She was dancing in a doorway Beneath a flickering neon light.

She smiled and the room got colder, Laid her hand upon my sleeve, Said, "Baby, buy me one more drink," And I forgot I planned to leave.

The old bartender shook his head, Said, "Son, you oughta run." But I was staring at her emerald eyes, And listening to her hum.

She's got seven rings from seven men, And every one still loves her. They warn me not to follow where she's been, But I can't think of any other. She's a voodoo queen, She's got shadows in her smile, And every man who swears he's free Ends up walking down the aisle.

I found a picture in her hallway, Seven grooms all dressed in white, Standing there beside the same girl, Taken years apart in time.

I asked her, "Where'd they all go?" She laughed and poured another glass. Said, "Some things aren't worth knowing, And some questions shouldn't be asked."

Then from the porch I saw them gathered, Silent underneath the moon, Seven men just watching us While she sang a strange old tune.

She's got seven rings from seven men, And every one still loves her. They warn me not to follow where she's been, But I can't think of any other. She's a voodoo queen, She's got shadows in her smile, And every man who swears he's free Ends up walking down the aisle.

Now my friends don't come around much, Mama won't return my calls, I spend my nights buying roses And repainting all her walls.

Sometimes I wake before the sunrise, See those seven standing near, All of them are smiling softly, Like they wish that I was here.

I should run... I should leave... I should listen... I believe...

But every time she says my name, The warning disappears.

She's got eight rings from eight men, And tonight she'll wear another. I can hear the preacher talking, But his words are running together. She's a voodoo queen, And I finally understand, Why the seven men are smiling...

As she slips a ring upon my hand.

Down in New Orleans, Where the river runs black at night, There's a woman still collecting hearts...

And I think she'll keep collecting Long after I'm out of sight.