  Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t RiseIn Appalachian and Southern speech, "Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise" means "if all goes well," or "as long as nothing unforeseen stops me." It reflects both faith in God’s will and the reality of rural life, where a swollen creek could keep folks home. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I can remember my Momma sayin' 'Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.' I still hear it today around here, but not as often. Pronunciation[Lord WIL-in an’ the creek don’t RAHZ] Meaning & Usage- If all goes well; unless something prevents it (saying)
Mae:
You comin’ to the picnic?
Earl:
Yep - Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise.other spellings: if the creek don’t rise, if the good Lord’s willin’, God willin’, barring trouble, ``Lord willing``, and ``Lord willin’ and the river don’t rise`` ★ The "creek" here is the stream - not the Creek people. It’s about real-life floods cutting off hollers and valleys. ★ OriginDates to at least the 1800s in American rural speech. Tied to both Christian faith ("Lord willing") and the literal obstacle of swollen creeks in farming country. Appalachia kept it alive as a common farewell or promise. NotesStill common in Appalachian and Southern speech. Sometimes said playfully, sometimes with deep sincerity. The short form "if the creek don’t rise" is especially familiar in everyday talk. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it easy: "Lord willin’ an’ the creek don’t rise." Often shortened to just "if the creek don’t rise." | About We are a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia, but wide as the world. Read more... |
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