The Legend of Wooley Swamp

Dare to enter "The Legend of Wooley Swamp," The Charlie Daniels Band's chilling 1980 country rock narrative! From the 'Full Moon' album, this Southern gothic tale masterfully weaves suspense with driving music. Experience Charlie Daniels' captivating storytelling in this haunting fan favorite song.

Featured on The Charlie Daniels Band's 1980 album 'Full Moon' (released July 14), "The Legend of Wooley Swamp" showcases Charlie Daniels' exceptional talent as a musical storyteller within the country genre. This atmospheric track uniquely blends spoken-word verses detailing the spooky narrative with powerfully sung choruses, vividly painting a picture of greed, murder, and supernatural revenge.

"The Legend of Wooley Swamp" captivated listeners in 1980 with its dark narrative and distinctive country sound, enhanced with rock dynamics. Though only a minor chart single compared to some CDB hits, its compelling ghost story and memorable delivery made it a standout track, cementing the band's reputation for crafting engaging, folklore-inspired Southern songs.

SONG MEANING: "The Legend of Wooley Swamp" tells a specific Southern gothic ghost story about a reclusive, greedy old man named Lucius Clay who lives in the swamp and buries his money. Three local brothers decide to rob and murder him for his cash, but subsequently become trapped and perish in the swamp's quicksand. Lucius Clay's ghost is said to haunt Wooley Swamp, forever seeking vengeance on the thieves ("You can hear him cryin' for his money").