Discover the story of the song > Up On Cripple Creek – The Band

The protagonist wants to go down the Mississippi River to Lake Charles, Louisiana where his partner Bessie lives. She is supportive and takes care of him when he needs it, even when he is drunk. He wins money at the race track and gives half to Bessie, but she tears it up and throws it in his face as a joke. He wants to see her again, even though he has to leave his big mama behind.