NEW ORLEANS, I LOVE YOU

the sanctity of street lamps shining just outside my door
you’ll find me on the front steps, that’s what they are for
the ship masts of the power lines stitched across the road
and i haven’t payed my traffic fines, i hope i don’t get towed

friends from down the bayou, stars up in the sky
oh me oh mio, oh mio my
down the endless highway, it’s hard to explain
to drive all night alone to the city through the rain

patterns on the ceiling in the first light of the dawn
that old restless feeling when the money’s almost gone
birds are on the wire and the train is coming through
and the whole damn world’s on fire, new orleans i love you

now it’s ashes on my forehead, the carnival is gone
and every time i left my bed you’d not believe the goings-on
for everything it’s worth chasing after bliss
i could not take a day on earth if this place did not exist

i cannot tell a lie, oh, i will not deny
oh me oh mio, oh mio my
coloured beads in oak trees, confetti in my hair
poker games on dumaine, i will meet you there

the world keeps growing older and we grow older too
lay your head upon my shoulder and dream a dream brand new
the wind whispers to the nightingale and every word rings true
if i should roam i will not fail coming home to you

if i should roam i am coming home
new orleans, i love you