Lord Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Lord willing 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.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Nature #Southern #FarmTalk #Proverbs

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.

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.

variations: if the creek don’t rise

★ The "creek" here is the stream - not the Creek people. It’s about real-life floods cutting off hollers and valleys. ★

Origin and Etymology

Dates 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.

Usage Notes

Still 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 Southerner

Say it easy: "Lord willin’ an’ the creek don’t rise." Often shortened to just "if the creek don’t rise."

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does it mean something religious?

Yes, the "Lord willin’" part shows reliance on God’s will.

What about the "creek"? Is it the Native Creek tribe?

No - it’s about a literal creek flooding, a real problem in the hills.

Do people still use it today?

Yes - it’s still widely recognized and often quoted, even outside the South.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 5). Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/lord-willing-and-the-creek-dont-rise
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise." HillbillySlang.com, 5 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/lord-willing-and-the-creek-dont-rise.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise." HillbillySlang.com. October 5, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/lord-willing-and-the-creek-dont-rise.

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