About the song
“Diggy Diggy Lo” is one of the most iconic Cajun-country songs ever written and performed by Doug Kershaw, affectionately known as The Ragin’ Cajun. Released in the early 1960s, the song captures the spirit, humor, and rhythm of life in the Louisiana bayou. With its irresistible melody, Cajun French flavor, and lively fiddle-driven arrangement, “Diggy Diggy Lo” became an anthem of Louisiana pride and a cornerstone of Kershaw’s career.
Although the song may sound lighthearted and playful on the surface, it carries deep cultural significance. It celebrates Cajun identity, community, and simple joy, preserving in music what it means to live, love, and dance along the bayous of southern Louisiana. Over time, “Diggy Diggy Lo” has been covered by countless artists — from Jimmy C. Newman to Buck Owens and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band — yet none have matched the energy and authenticity of Kershaw’s original performances.
Background and Origins
Doug Kershaw wrote “Diggy Diggy Lo” during the peak of his early career, when he and his brother Rusty were performing as the country duo Rusty and Doug. Born and raised in Tiel Ridge, Louisiana, Doug Kershaw grew up in a Cajun-speaking family who lived off the land, surrounded by the rhythms of the swamp and the spirit of traditional Acadian music.
“Diggy Diggy Lo,” along with songs like “Louisiana Man” and “Cajun Baby,” was part of Kershaw’s lifelong mission to share the Cajun culture with the wider world. Written in a mix of English and Cajun French, the song embodies everything that defined his musical style — fast-paced fiddling, energetic vocals, and an unfiltered celebration of Louisiana life.
The track was first released in 1961 and re-recorded several times by Kershaw throughout his career, including a popular version in 1969 after he launched his solo career. Each rendition carries the same infectious enthusiasm and fiery instrumentation that made Kershaw a sensation both in the U.S. and abroad.
Story and Meaning of the Song
At its heart, “Diggy Diggy Lo” is a joyful love song and dance tune that celebrates everyday Cajun life. The lyrics tell the story of a man (the narrator) and his beloved “Diggy Diggy Lo,” who live “way down in Louisiana close to New Orleans.” The couple loves to dance, drink, and enjoy life, embodying the carefree spirit of the Cajun people.
The chorus captures this joyful energy perfectly:
“They go diggy diggy lo, diggy diggy li,
Every Saturday night they get real high.
Out on the levee, down by the bayou,
They dance the two-step to Diggy Diggy Lo.”
This refrain not only celebrates dancing and music but also connects the listener directly to Cajun tradition, where music and social gatherings are central to community life. The “two-step” and “waltz” are staples of Cajun dance culture, and the imagery of people dancing by the bayou evokes a feeling of togetherness and timeless joy.
On a deeper level, the song also expresses a sense of cultural pride and resistance. During the mid-20th century, Cajun people faced prejudice and cultural suppression — many were discouraged from speaking French or practicing their traditions. Through songs like “Diggy Diggy Lo,” Doug Kershaw defiantly celebrated his heritage, reminding listeners that Cajun culture was vibrant, alive, and worth sharing with the world.
Musical Style and Arrangement
Musically, “Diggy Diggy Lo” is a masterclass in Cajun country. The song blends traditional Cajun fiddle and accordion with the driving beat of Nashville-style country. This hybrid sound helped Kershaw bridge the gap between local Louisiana folk music and the national country music scene.
The fiddle is the centerpiece of the track — lively, syncopated, and endlessly danceable. Kershaw’s signature playing style, with rapid bowing and percussive rhythm, creates an irresistible groove that makes the listener want to get up and dance. The beat mimics the stomp and sway of Cajun dancing, while the accordion and guitar fill out the sound with warmth and swing.
Vocally, Kershaw sings with unrestrained energy, infusing his performance with joy, humor, and authenticity. His accent and occasional use of Cajun French phrases give the song its distinctive regional flavor, while his infectious enthusiasm ensures that even listeners unfamiliar with Cajun culture can feel its spirit.
Cultural Significance
“Diggy Diggy Lo” is more than just a catchy song — it’s a cultural celebration and historical preservation. At a time when American popular music was dominated by rock ’n’ roll and polished Nashville country, Kershaw brought the earthy, passionate energy of Cajun life to the mainstream.
Through this song, he became one of the first artists to introduce Cajun culture to a national and international audience. His television appearances in the late 1960s and 1970s — including The Johnny Cash Show and The Ed Sullivan Show — featured “Diggy Diggy Lo” and helped make Cajun music a recognizable part of American roots heritage.
The song also contributed to the growing interest in regional and ethnic American music traditions, paving the way for later Americana and folk revival movements. For Louisiana natives, “Diggy Diggy Lo” became an anthem of pride — a reminder of home, resilience, and the power of music to unite people across generations.
Legacy and Influence
Over the years, “Diggy Diggy Lo” has been recorded by numerous artists, each bringing their own flavor to it. Notable covers include Jimmy C. Newman’s 1969 version, which also charted on Billboard, as well as performances by Buck Owens, Sammy Kershaw (Doug’s distant cousin), and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
However, Doug Kershaw’s versions — especially his live performances — remain the definitive ones. His fiery stage presence, energetic fiddling, and unstoppable charisma earned him a reputation as one of the most electrifying performers in country music. Audiences were drawn not only to the music but also to the authentic cultural storytelling it represented.
“Diggy Diggy Lo” continues to be a favorite at Louisiana festivals, Cajun dances, and folk music gatherings. It’s more than a nostalgic throwback — it’s a living tradition, a song that keeps the Cajun spirit alive for new generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Doug Kershaw’s “Diggy Diggy Lo” is a joyful masterpiece that captures the essence of Cajun life — its rhythm, humor, love, and pride. With its irresistible melody and vivid storytelling, it bridges the gap between folk tradition and popular culture, introducing millions to the warmth and vitality of Louisiana’s music.
For Doug Kershaw, the song represents both personal identity and artistic mission — a declaration that Cajun culture is not just a relic of the past but a vibrant, living part of America’s musical soul. Whether played on a festival stage in Lafayette or heard on a vintage radio record, “Diggy Diggy Lo” remains an invitation to dance, to celebrate, and to remember where we come from.
Even today, more than sixty years after its release, the song continues to bring smiles and tap feet — a testament to the enduring power of music born from the heart of the bayou.