Meaning of "Lakes Of Pontchartrain" by Christy Moore

The lyrics of "Lakes of Pontchartrain" by Christy Moore depict a journey of longing, love, and unfulfilled desires. The narrator leaves New Orleans, a place of familiar comfort and seeks a better life in Jackson town. The curse of foreign money and inability to gain credit reflects the hardships faced in this new venture. The mention of the lakes of Pontchartrain serves as a symbol of this unattainable longing.

During the journey, the narrator experiences isolation and loneliness, emphasized by the reference to riding the rods and being a stranger among strangers. This changes when he encounters a Creole girl, who represents a ray of hope and companionship. The warmth of her welcome and her kindness towards the narrator provide a reprieve from his troubles. The mention of her hair falling in jet black ringlets adds to her allure and beauty.

However, the narrator's hopes for romance are dashed when he learns that the Creole girl already has a lover who is far away at sea. Her promise to remain faithful until his return shows her loyalty and deep connection to her absent lover. Despite this, the narrator expresses gratitude for the time spent with the Creole girl and acknowledges her impact on his life.

The song ultimately captures the bittersweet nature of love and the fleeting moments of connection that can be experienced in unexpected places. It also highlights the persistent theme of longing and the inability to fully achieve or possess what is truly desired. The lakes of Pontchartrain act as a symbol of this unattainable longing and the permanent mark it leaves on the narrator's heart.