King of New Orleans
Better Than Ezra Lyrics

Got an angel on the stairs
There is someone in the singer's life who is pure-hearted and good, like an angel.

As if you'd even care
The singer feels that nobody cares about this angelic person, including the listener.

When the lights are up
This phrase implies excitement and energy, perhaps in the context of a party or concert.

And the sun had nearly gone, down
This line suggests that the party or event is happening late in the day, as the sun is setting.

Did you see him on the street
The singer is addressing the listener and asking if they have noticed someone on the street.

Did you pass him at your feet
The singer is asking if the listener ignored or overlooked this person.

Did you think at all
The singer is suggesting that the listener did not give this person any thought or consideration.

How dare they even look me in the eye
The singer is expressing anger and indignation at the idea of this person making eye contact with them.

And he loves the girls
This line implies that the person being discussed is attracted to women.

And he loves the boys
This line implies that the person being discussed is attracted to men.

Gonna make
This phrase is followed by an amount of money, suggesting that the person is trying to earn some cash.

Twenty dollars before the weekend's over
The person being discussed is hoping to make $20 by the end of the weekend.

So set him up
This phrase implies that the person is being put into a situation where they can earn money.

Then let him fall
This line suggests that the person will fail or be taken advantage of in some way.

Turn him over in your hands
This line implies that the person is being manipulated and used for someone else's gain.

God save the king of New Orleans
The song title is repeated, suggesting that the person being discussed is a prominent figure in the city and worthy of saving.

Got a ticket to a show
The singer is referring to attending a concert or event of some kind.

Did you see him take a blow
The person being discussed was physically attacked or harmed in some way.

When the drunk one said
The person who attacked the singer was drunk at the time.

Cat Stevens was the greatest singer
The drunk person made a comment about Cat Stevens, an artist known for his introspective and earnest music.

Did you kick him in the head
The singer is asking if the listener was the one who attacked the artist.

Did you see the blood run down
The singer is painting a vivid picture of the physical harm done to the artist.

Did you laugh at all
The singer is disgusted at the idea of anyone finding humor in the situation.

When the people walked right by and said aloud
The singer is highlighting the fact that other people witnessed the attack and did nothing to help.

Gutter punks, you're all the same
This is a derogatory term for people with an unconventional lifestyle or appearance.

Radio in my head
The singer is describing a song or melody that is stuck in their mind.

Radio in my car
The singer is listening to music while driving.

Goin' down again
This phrase suggests that the singer is feeling depressed or downcast.

He's goin' down, again
This line reinforces the idea that the artist is repeatedly facing difficult or painful situations.

Any way you look
No matter how you view the situation.

Any way you talk it over
No matter how you discuss the situation with someone else.

It's easier
The path of least resistance or effort.

To let it slip out of your mind
The singer is suggesting that it is easier to ignore or forget the plight of the artist.

But it rips your heart out
The singer is admitting that it is emotionally taxing to care about something that seems hopeless.

Then it kicks your head in
This line suggests that the situation is not only painful, but also confusing or disorienting.

Would you give him one more chance
The singer is asking the listener to show compassion and generosity to the artist.

Try and see the beauty in his world
The singer is suggesting that the singer has positive qualities or experiences that are worth recognizing.

All the way in on my hands
The singer is participating in some physical activity or labor.

In on my feet and shoulders
The singer is enduring physical strain or exertion.

Yeah
An expression of agreement or emphasis.