Well it was early in the morning and an old black man Was blowing the hell out of a trumpet in a one man band I jumped to my feet when I heard him sing Once upon a time in New Orleans I got a craving for some catfish and some hot gumbo I sat out on the street and ate it nice and slow I gave a high five to an old drag queen Once upon a time in New Orleans There was a jazz band jamming down on Frenchmen Street They was having a time and keeping the beat The crowd was jumping it was getting obscene Once upon a time in New Orleans She was standing on the corner with that look in her eyes She threw some voodoo on me tried to read my mind I said what you trying to do she said come on in and see Once upon a time in New Orleans Down in Jackson Square they was all out dancing They asked me to join em I didn't stand a chance I did the white man boogie like you ain't never seen Once upon a time in New Orleans Well I had one too many started stumbling around I tried to step it up but I kept falling down The bon temps roulet'ed till I was on my knees Once upon a time in New Orleans So if you ever get the chance go and see it yourself Take your inhibitions leave 'em up on a shelf Lose your mind and set your spirit free Mmm... Down in New Orleans Mmm... Down in New Orleans Mmm... Down in New Orleans