[Spoken Intro] By the ditch, somebody points and says, “What is that?” Somebody else already knows the pot to bring. [Verse 1] Crayfish in the shallows, mud on the shell, A tiny freshwater neighbor with a story to tell. Crawfish on a table, corn piled high, A family says “come eat,” another asks why. Some see bait, some see supper, some see a name, Same little claws, different rules for the game. One town boils a harvest, one lets it be, Tradition changes shape from the bank to the sea. [Pre-Chorus] Ask who taught you what belongs on a plate, Ask what the season and the water can say. Learn the local custom; learn what’s safe, A good meal starts before the flame. [Chorus] Crayfish, crawfish—different words, same kin, Lobster’s their cousin from the saltwater in. If it’s on the menu, cook it through, No half-done shellfish—let the heat do what it’s due. Crayfish, crawfish—listen, don’t guess, Know where it came from; cook it thoroughly. [Verse 2] A lobster wears a larger, costlier suit, Gets a white tablecloth and a drawn-out salute. The crawfish gets a paper tray, spice on the thumb, A backyard pot where the neighbors all come. Some say “crayfish,” some “crawdad” with pride, Words travel with families, recipes ride. Perception can divide what the water made near, But ask, learn, share—keep the good sense clear. [Pre-Chorus] Fresh from a trusted place, handled with care, Keep it cold till the cooking is there. Boil or steam until fully done, Food safety’s part of the feast, not a fuss. [Chorus] Crayfish, crawfish—different words, same kin, Lobster’s their cousin from the saltwater in. If it’s on the menu, cook it through, No half-done shellfish—let the heat do what it’s due. Crayfish, crawfish—listen, don’t guess, Know where it came from; cook it thoroughly. [Bridge] Freshwater crustaceans can carry parasites. That’s not a dare; that’s a reason to get it right. Raw or undercooked? Leave it off the fork. Cook it thoroughly—make that the rule. Follow local food-safety guidance, Handle it clean, keep the cold chain steady. Then bring the pot, pass the bread, Let knowledge sit beside the spread. [Final Chorus] Crayfish, crawfish—different words, same kin, Lobster’s their cousin from the saltwater in. If it’s on the menu, cook it through, No half-done shellfish—let the heat do what it’s due. Crayfish, crawfish—many ways to share, Learn the old customs, take proper care. Different names, different tables, one rule we keep: Cook it thoroughly before you eat. [Outro] By the ditch, somebody points and says, “What is that?” Now there’s a name, a recipe, and a pot on the back.
