New Orleans and Cajun queens And Mississippi River boats Rambling men and gambling men The slickest ones afloat Cotton fields and Southern belles Are seen all over my dreams But the prettiest girls in all of the world Are down in New Orleans I've been north to New York City I've been south to Birmingham Been west to San Francisco I've been east to Boston Town I've fought your mighty deserts I've sailed your deep blue sea But if I had my rathers I'd rather be in New Orleans New Orleans and Cajun queens And Mississippi River boats Rambling men and gambling men The slickest ones afloat Cotton fields and Southern belles Are seen all over my dreams But the prettiest girls in all of the world Are down in New Orleans Well, I've kissed the señoritas In sunny Mexico I've chased the pretty frawl eyes Across the sea, you know I've spent the night in Gay Paree A decent history But if I had my rathers I'd rather be in New Orleans New Orleans and Cajun queens And Mississippi River boats Rambling men and gambling men The slickest ones afloat Cotton fields and southern belles Are seen all over my dreams But the prettiest girls in all of the world Are down in New Orleans The prettiest girls in all of the world Are down in New Orleans