19 Songs About New Orleans

The sweet New Orleans is popular for its festivals and vibrant nightlife. As the birthplace of jazz, it offers a wide range of genres for us to enjoy. To celebrate this colorful city, we’ve selected 20 best songs about New Orleans, each carrying its unique message, waiting to be savored by everyone.

1. “Way Down Yonder In New Orleans” by Harry Connick, Jr.

This is a simple song with relaxing lyrics that go with the appreciation of the place. The lines “Way down yonder in New Orleans, in the land of dreamy scenes. There’s a garden of Eden, that’s what I mean” show the appreciation to New Orleans, where the landscapes are truly remarkable.

2. “Mardi Gras Mambo” by The Meters

This upbeat song is popular because it is frequently played during the Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. It gets people pumped up, and it has never gone out of style. So, if you love a festive beat, this track will get you going!

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. Kermit Ruffins’ song “Drop Me Off In New Orleans” makes you want to go there and feel the vibe, culture, and music of the city. The classic trumpet sound with the strong vocals will get you up and dancing. 

5. “Squirrel Nut Zippers” by Axeman Jazz

This song is instrumental, and the tune 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

In “New Orleans” by PJ Morton, the artist shares his love for making music and doing things he enjoys. He found inspiration in the city and remembers a time when he didn’t care if people liked him or his songs; he simply wanted to be happy at home.

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. The lyrics “Small city, big dreams, a big misunderstanding over small things” highly captures that message.

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 sings, telling a story of friendship and the possibility of a fresh start in the vibrant city.

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 all about Katey Red’s view of life in the toughest parts of New Orleans. It’s a bit controversial as she reveals the raw reality of the city. The lyrics and beats are what make this song really unique.

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 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 wild dance moves. It’s all 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. It’s about the people of New Orleans who seem a bit unaware of what’s happening in the world.

The singer shares a story of his father returning from World War II, announcing they won the war, but some folks thought he meant the American Civil War and proudly said, “We whipped the Yankees!”

Outro

The lush culture and history of New Orleans can leave you feeling dizzy, thanks to its endless array of festivities and soulful music. From the influences of voodoo and jazz to Mardi Gras and hurricanes, I hope you find these tunes in this list perfect for your New Orleans playlist.