This post is intended to provide an overview of the best 20 songs about New Orleans, whether they are titles with “New Orleans” in the lyrics or contain references to specific places in the city. Enjoy.
Contents
- 1. “Way Down Yonder In New Orleans” by Harry Connick, Jr.
- 2. “Mardi Gras Mambo” by The Meters
- 3. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
- 4. “Drop Me Off In New Orleans” by Kermit Ruffins
- 5. “Squirrel Nut Zippers” by Axeman Jazz
- 6. “New Orleans” by PJ Morton
- 7. “I’m Walking To New Orleans” by Fats Domino
- 8. “New Orleans State of Mind” by Curren$y
- 9. “Sweet Home New Orleans” by Dr. John
- 10. “My Hometown New Orleans” by Paul Soniat
- 11. “New Orleans” by Kid Rock
- 12. “I Can’t Wait Much Longer” by Robin Trower
- 13. “Local New Orleans” by Katey Red
- 14. “Crescent City” by Lucinda Williams
- 15. “I’m in New Orleans Trick” by LMFAO
- 16. “John Wayne and Jesus” by Pat Green
- 17. “New Orleans” by Elvis Presley
- 18. “Witch Queen Of New Orleans” by Redbone
- 19. “New Orleans Wins the War” by Randy Newman
- Outro
1. “Way Down Yonder In New Orleans” by Harry Connick, Jr.
The song was made by John Turner Layton Jr. and Henry Creamer in 1922. It was performed by Harry Connick Jr. in September 2005 for “A Concert For Hurricane Relief,” which raised $50 million for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
It was a simple song with dreamy lyrics that go with the appreciation of the place. “Way down yonder in New Orleans, in the land of dreamy scenes. There’s a garden of Eden, that’s what I mean.”
2. “Mardi Gras Mambo” by The Meters
This song has become famous because it is one of the iconic songs that was frequently played during the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. It gets people pumped up, and it has never gone out of style.
3. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals
“House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals is a song about an infamous New Orleans brothel and its grim history. The song has catchy guitar strums and piano solos that will make you want to play it over and over again.
4. “Drop Me Off In New Orleans” by Kermit Ruffins
You’re gonna wish to be in new Orleans if you hear the trumpet sounds on this song. “Drop Me Off In New Orleans” by Kermit Ruffins makes you literally want to be dropped off in that place to experience the vibe, the culture, and the music of New Orleans. The classic trumpet sound and the strong vocals will get you up and dancing.
5. “Squirrel Nut Zippers” by Axeman Jazz
This song is instrumental, and the music is a fusion of blues, gypsy jazz, swing, klezmer, and other unique styles that are focused on the musical style of New Orleans.
6. “New Orleans” by PJ Morton
“New Orleans” by PJ Morton tells about the artist’s experience making music and all the things that he loves to do. He drew inspiration from the city, and he is reminiscing on how it was in that he didn’t care if people liked him or his songs because he just wanted to be home and happy.
7. “I’m Walking To New Orleans” by Fats Domino
“Walking to New Orleans” by Fats Domino is about moving to New Orleans to start a new life full of hope after a disappointment or a break-up.
8. “New Orleans State of Mind” by Curren$y
“New Orleans State of Mind” is about waking up to the reality of what New Orleans is all about. There can be nice things and bad things as well.
Although every dream can be realized, there are also risks and disappointments because the city isn’t as perfect as it seems. “Small city, big dreams, a big misunderstanding over small things.”
9. “Sweet Home New Orleans” by Dr. John
This song has short and simple lyrics that speak about New Orleans. It mentions Rampart street, Mardi Gras, etouffee, Big Al Carson, Charlie Neville, and everything New Orleans is known about.
As the lyrics go, “Get some crawfish, jambalaya, red beans, and fine pralines. Get some lovin’ that gonna satisfy home in New Orleans”.
10. “My Hometown New Orleans” by Paul Soniat
This song describes everything you can see and be proud of in New Orleans. It describes a sense of belonging, being at home, and the best experience that a person can have when they visit New Orleans.
11. “New Orleans” by Kid Rock
“I’m going down to New Orleans to see a friend of mine; I’m goin’ down to New Orleans and leaving all of this behind.” Kid Rock is telling a story about how he’s going to New Orleans to see his friend and possibly moving there permanently.
12. “I Can’t Wait Much Longer” by Robin Trower
“I Can’t Wait Much Longer” by Robin Trower is a song about the excitement, longing, and anticipation of going to New Orleans – as the lyrics go, “I can’t wait much longer, get my coat, and I’ll catch the train, and make my way down to New Orleans.”
13. “Local New Orleans” by Katey Red
This song is about Katey Red’s perspective of life in New Orleans’ roughest areas. It’s kind of controversial as she unravels the truth behind the city. There’s something special about the lyrics and the beats that make this song stand out.
14. “Crescent City” by Lucinda Williams
This song has a great country-blues style, and it pays homage to New Orleans. It also has two Cajun French phrases, “Tu le ton son temps,” translated as “everything in time.” and “Laissez Les bons temps rouler” or “let the good times roll.”
15. “I’m in New Orleans Trick” by LMFAO
“I’m in New Orleans Trick” by LMFAO is all about the beat and is part of the “I’m In Your City Trick” album that captures the audience with its messy lyrics and upbeat tune. It’s more of a disco track with electronic beats and sound that capture the party life of New Orleans.
16. “John Wayne and Jesus” by Pat Green
“John Wayne and Jesus” by Pat Green is quite an interesting song. He also talks about how he fell in love with a girl and moved to New Orleans, but eventually, the girl left him. He also talks about how he is still hanging out with John Wayne and Jesus, despite the setbacks in his life.
17. “New Orleans” by Elvis Presley
This is one of the classics that made Elvis Presly famous for his unique way of singing and untamed movements. The song is about New Orleans, where Elvis lived.
18. “Witch Queen Of New Orleans” by Redbone
“The Witch Queen of New Orleans” tells the story of Marie Laveau – a voodoo practitioner from New Orleans referred to as “Marie la Voodoo veau.” The song was written by Lolly and Pat Vegas, who were both native Americans.
19. “New Orleans Wins the War” by Randy Newman
“New Orleans Wins the War” by Randy Newman is quite interesting. The song is about the people of New Orleans and how they don’t seem to know what is going on in the world.
The singer says that when his father came back from World War II and told the people that they had won the war, people thought he was talking about the American Civil War – and reacted by saying, “We whipped the Yankees!”
Outro
While there is no shortage of songs about New Orleans, a scant few really do the city justice. The lush culture and history of New Orleans can leave one’s head spinning. From the influences of voodoo and jazz to Mardi Gras and hurricanes, I hope you find some tunes in this list worthwhile.
