About the song
Featured on her highly successful 1990 album, Come On Come On, “Down At The Twist And Shout” became one of Mary Chapin Carpenter’s most beloved and enduring hits. It’s a brilliant example of her unique blend of folk, country, and a touch of pop, all infused with her keen observational songwriting. The song paints a lively picture of a Cajun dance hall, a place where worries melt away on the dance floor, and the simple act of moving to music becomes a profound expression of freedom and camaraderie. “You could lose your mind in a dance so fine,” she sings, perfectly summing up that intoxicating feeling of being swept away by the rhythm. For those of us who appreciate music that genuinely uplifts and transports you to another place, this song is pure magic.
What makes “Down At The Twist And Shout” so special is its infectious energy and Mary Chapin Carpenter’s warm, inviting vocal delivery. She sings with a palpable sense of delight, making you feel as though you’re right there in the thick of the action, surrounded by friends, lost in the music. The lyrics are wonderfully descriptive, full of details that bring the scene to life, from the “red beans and rice” to the “fiddles and accordions” that drive the dance. It’s a testament to her storytelling prowess that she can create such a vivid, immersive experience for the listener. There’s an authenticity to the joy in her voice that’s simply irresistible.
Musically, the song is a masterclass in lively roots-inspired instrumentation. The prominent accordion, the driving fiddle lines, and the infectious, syncopated rhythm section all work together to create an undeniable Cajun flavor that’s impossible to resist. It’s a vibrant, feel-good anthem that celebrates simple pleasures, good company, and the timeless power of music to bring people together. “Down At The Twist And Shout” is more than just a hit from Mary Chapin Carpenter; it’s a timeless reminder that sometimes, the best way to forget your troubles is to grab a partner and just dance. It certainly makes you want to find a place to do just that, doesn’t it?
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Lyrics
Saturday night, and the moon is out
I want to head on over to the Twist and Shout
Find a two-step partner and a Cajun beat
When it lifts me up, I’m gonna find my feet
Out in the middle of a big dance floor
When I hear that fiddle, want to beg for more
Wanna dance to a band from Luzianne tonight
And I never have wandered down to New Orleans
Never have drifted down a Bayou stream
But I heard that music on the radio
And I swore some day I was gonna go
Down Highway 10, past Lafayette
To Baton Rouge and I won’t forget
To send you a card with my regrets
‘Cause I’m never gonna come back home
Saturday night, and the moon is out
I want to head on over to the Twist and Shout
Find a two-step partner and a Cajun beat
When it lifts me up, I’m gonna find my feet
Out in the middle of a big dance floor
When I hear that fiddle, want to beg for more
Wanna dance to a band from Luzianne tonight
They got a alligator stew and a crayfish pie
A Gulf Storm blowing into town tonight
Living on the delta’s quite a show
They got hurricane parties every time it blows
But here up north, it’s a cold, cold rain
And there ain’t no cure for my blues today
Except when the paper says, “BeauSoleil is coming into town”
Baby, let’s go down
Saturday night, and the moon is out
I want to head on over to the Twist and Shout
Find a two-step partner and a Cajun beat
When it lifts me up, I’m gonna find my feet
Out in the middle of a big dance floor
When I hear that fiddle, want to beg for more
Wanna dance to a band from Luzianne tonight
Bring your mama, bring your papa, bring your sister too
They got lots of music and lots of room
When they play you a waltz from 1910
You gonna feel a little bit young again
Well, you learned to dance with your rock and roll
You learned to swing with a dos-Ã -dos
But you learn to love at the fies-do-do
When you hear a little Jolie Blon
Saturday night, and the moon is out
I want to head on over to the Twist and Shout
Find a two-step partner and a Cajun beat
When it lifts me up, I’m gonna find my feet
Out in the middle of a big dance floor
When I hear that fiddle, want to beg for more
Wanna dance to a band from Luzianne tonight (patience)
