I saw the pirate Jean Lafite
Lurkin' down a narrow street.
The voodoo queen Marie Laveau
Casting spells by candle glow.
I heard the drums from Congo Square,
Saw the slaves dancin' there.
I saw a funeral marching band
Buryin’ an old jazzman.

I heard a trumpet far away,
Like Buddy Bolden used to play,
I saw the ghosts of Storyville,
Jelly Roll is playing still,
I heard a creole clarinet,
Harmonies I can’t forget,
I heard a brassy slide trombone,
Roundin’ up the band to go home.

From the rowdy river clear to Rampart Street,
There’s always music in the air,
Up the river, down the river, feel the beat,
There’s music everywhere.

I saw Satchmo raise his horn
And play until the day was born.
With Papa Joe to lead the way
Until the last note died away.
In every dark New Orleans street,
I feel the pulse, I hear the beat
Of music that will never end,
New Orleans . . .
     Play it again!