The third Sugar Boy and His Cane Cutters single, "I Bowed on My Knees," earned the group a residency at the Baton Rouge nightspot the Carousel Club, but brought an end to their Chess affiliation, leaving more than a dozen unreleased sides on the shelf. Myles left the lineup in 1955 to join Li'l Millet & His Creoles; this group -- led by bassist Millet, and also featuring tenor saxophonists Lee Allen and James Victor Lewis, guitarist Ernest Mare, drummer Bartholomew Smith, and Myles' brother Warren on piano -- was playing the Thibodeaux, LA, club the Sugar Bowl when they were discovered by Specialty Records' Bumps Blackwell. They entered J&M in the fall of 1955 to cut "Who's Been Fooling You?," for reasons unknown credited to Big Boy Myles and the Shaw-Wees upon its release on Specialty; a second and final Specialty effort, "Just to Hold My Hand" -- this time featuring New Orleans legends Alvin "Red" Tyler on tenor, Edgar Blanchard on guitar, and Earl Palmer on drums -- appeared in late 1956. Myles did not resurface on disc until 1960, cutting "New Orleans" for Ace. "Oh, Mary" followed a year later. After the failure of his lone V-Tone release, 1961's "She's So Fine" ( with Dr John playing guitar ), Myles dropped from sight until 1968, when he released a one-off for Huey Meaux's Pic-One imprint, "You're Gonna Come Crying." He relocated to New York City sometime thereafter, but little is known of the final years of his life and career. Myles died in New York in 1984.
~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
New Orleans
Big Boy Myles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Way down on the river
Where the women are very pretty
And all the men deliver
They got music
It's always playin'
Start in the day time, go all through the night
When you hear that music playin'
Hear what I'm saying, it make you feel alright
Grab somebody, come on down
Bring your paintbrush, we're paintin' the town
Honey, there's some sweetness goin' 'round
Catch it down in New Orleans
We got magic, good and bad
Make you happy or make you real sad
Get everything you want, lose what you had
Down here in New Orleans
Hey partner, don't be shy
Come on down here and give us a try
You wanna 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
The lyrics of Big Boy Myles's song "New Orleans" capture the vibrant nature of one of the most storied cities in the United States. The opening lines of the song reference the city's location on the Mississippi River, which has historically been a hub of trade and commerce in the American South. The city's reputation for beautiful women and charismatic men is also alluded to, painting a picture of a place that exudes charm and confidence.
The central focus of the song, however, is the music of New Orleans. The city has been a hotbed of musical innovation for over a century, and its unique blend of jazz, blues, and other styles is celebrated in the lyrics. The music is said to be always playing, starting in the daytime and going all through the night. More than just a form of entertainment, the music is described as having the power to make people feel good and even heal their emotional wounds.
The chorus of the song urges listeners to come to New Orleans and experience this magic for themselves. Whether you want to paint the town, forget your troubles, or pursue your dreams, the city promises to provide. The final verse mentions the grand homes of the city's wealthy residents, suggesting that anyone, regardless of social status, can find a place in New Orleans where they belong.
Overall, "New Orleans" is a celebration of a city that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. Its enduring musical legacy, combined with its rich cultural heritage and unique blend of people and traditions, make it a truly special place.
Line by Line Meaning
In the South Land there's a city
There is a wonderful city located in Southern Louisiana.
Way down on the river
Located far down the river, the city can be seen from a distance.
Where the women are very pretty
The females of this city are remarkably attractive.
And all the men deliver
The men within this community are dependable and resourceful.
They got music
One of the many great things about this city is its amazing music.
It's always playin'
Music is played constantly in this city.
Start in the day time, go all through the night
The music begins in the morning and goes on until dawn the next day.
When you hear that music playin'
Experiencing the music in this city is an unforgettable experience.
Hear what I'm saying, it make you feel alright
It feels good to enjoy the amazing tunes that are played here.
Grab somebody, come on down
Get a partner and go explore the city with them.
Bring your paintbrush, we're paintin' the town
The city is full of life and energy, and is waiting for you to explore it.
Honey, there's some sweetness goin' 'round
The city is beautiful and full of charm.
Catch it down in New Orleans
Experience the sweetness of the city firsthand.
We got magic, good and bad
This place has an indescribable magic to it.
Make you happy or make you real sad
The city can either make you really happy, or really sad.
Get everything you want, lose what you had
The city is full of surprises and can give you everything, but also take away what you had previously.
Down here in New Orleans
All of this amazingness can be found in this vibrant community.
Hey partner, don't be shy
Don't be afraid of exploring all the city has to offer and meeting new people.
Come on down here and give us a try
Don't hesitate to give this city a chance.
You wanna do some livin' before you die
If you want to experience the fullest life possible, try it here.
Do it down in New Orleans
Give this amazing city a chance for the experience of a lifetime.
Stately homes and mansions
Many beautiful and impressive homes can be found throughout the city.
Of the Sugar Barons and the Cotton Kings
These homes were built by those who prospered from the sugar and cotton industries.
Rich people, poor people, all got dreams
Everyone has the potential to succeed and have their dreams come true in this city.
Dreams do come true in New Orleans
Fulfill your dreams in New Orleans.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Debbie
It would be so nice if I could actually hold one of his records. Daddy used to sing all those songs while bouncing me on his lap. I miss him so much.
Furkan Kucuk
Thank u bro 🖒
ALAIN DEWAELE
thank Bill for the sharing enjoy day