In the southland, there's a city
Way down on the river
Where the women are very pretty
And all the men deliver

They've got music, it's always playin'
Start in the daytime, go all through the night
When you hear that music playin'
Hear what I'm sayin', it makes you feel alright

Grab somebody, come on down
Bring your paintbrush, we're paintin' the town
There's some sweetness goin' round
Catch it down in New Orleans

We've got magic, good and bad
Make you happy or make you real sad
Get everything you want or lose what you had
Down here in New Orleans

Hey, partner, don't be shy
Come on down and give us a try
You want to do some livin' before you die?
Do it down in New Orleans

Stately homes and mansions
Of the sugar barons and the cotton kings
Rich people, poor people, all got dreams
Dreams do come true in New Orleans