In 1986, he was among the first batch to get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" were named part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. In 2004, "Blueberry Hill" was named #81 and "Ain't That A Shame" was named #431 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, he was named #25 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time.
In the wake of Domino's rescue from his 9th ward home during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina's Foundation organized a tribute album to the elder artist featuring Robert Plant, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney and numerous other acts that owe a creative debt to this seminal rock n roll pianist.
Walking
Fats Domino Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm walkin' to New Orleans
I'm gonna need two pair of shoes
When I get through walkin' these blues
When I get back to New Orleans
I've got my suitcase in my hand
Now ain't that a shame?
I'm leavin' here today
Yes, I'm walkin to New Orleans
You used to be my honey
Till you spent all my money
No use for you to cry
I'll see you by and by
'Cause I'm walkin' to New Orleans
I've got no time for talkin'
I've go to keep a-walkin'
New Orleans is my home
That's the reason why I'm goin'
Yes, I'm walkin' to New Orleans
I'm walkin' to New Orleans
I'm walkin' to New Orleans
In "Walking to New Orleans," Fats Domino expresses his desire to return to his hometown, New Orleans, after a failed relationship that left him broke. The song's upbeat tempo contrasts with the sorrowful lyrics that reveal his financial and emotional struggles. He mentions that he needs two pairs of shoes to walk the blues away, implying that he has been walking for a while, and the journey has taken a toll on his footwear. He then talks about holding his suitcase, indicating that he is ready to embark on this journey to his beloved city.
Fats Domino's nostalgia for his hometown is evident, as he sings about walking back to New Orleans, where he feels at home. He explains that he is leaving behind a former lover who spent all his money, leaving him with nothing. Fats shows no remorse for the relationships' end and believes that the past is behind him because he's walking away. He emphasizes that New Orleans is his true home and the reason why he's returning, showing that his personal growth and renewed sense of belonging lie in returning to his roots.
Line by Line Meaning
This time I'm walkin' to New Orleans
I am choosing to walk to New Orleans this time around.
I'm walkin' to New Orleans
My mode of transportation to New Orleans is walking.
I'm gonna need two pair of shoes
I will walk so much that I will need two pairs of shoes.
When I get through walkin' these blues
Once I am done walking these blues away, I will be in New Orleans.
When I get back to New Orleans
After completing my walk, I will be returning to New Orleans.
I've got my suitcase in my hand
I have a suitcase with me while I walk.
Now ain't that a shame?
It is a sad thing that I have to walk instead of having other means of transportation.
I'm leavin' here today
I am departing from my current location today.
Yes, I'm goin' back home to stay
I have decided to return to my home in New Orleans and stay there.
Yes, I'm walkin to New Orleans
Again, I must emphasize that walking is my chosen mode of transportation to New Orleans.
You used to be my honey
Addressing someone who was once my sweetheart.
Till you spent all my money
However, that person has spent all of my money.
No use for you to cry
It is pointless for that person to cry or show remorse now that I am leaving.
I'll see you by and by
I will see that person at some point in the future.
'Cause I'm walkin' to New Orleans
Once again, I want to emphasize that my mode of transportation is walking.
I've got no time for talkin'
I do not have any extra time for talking, as I need to focus on walking to New Orleans.
I've go to keep a-walkin'
It is essential for me to keep walking to reach my destination.
New Orleans is my home
New Orleans is my place of residence and where I belong.
That's the reason why I'm goin'
That is the sole reason I have decided to walk to New Orleans.
I'm walkin' to New Orleans
I hope I have made it clear that walking is my chosen mode of transportation to New Orleans.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Antoine Domino, Dave Bartholomew, Robert Charles Guidry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SolCrown80
Just got back from New Orleans; you can hear this guy's influence on the live music in bars and on street corners all day long in every corner of the city. Thanks for all the music, Fats; rock n' roll and jazz wouldn't have been the same without you.
@bullsnutsoz
Yes I was in norleans 20 odd years ago
@VFWPOSTFranklinton
I retired from the Army and stationed at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans. I got to know Fats personally and called him a friend. He grew up down the road from the barracks.
@rstewart3051
No rock n roll without that man. God bless Fats Domino.
@MrBurns1717
+1 We could say the same thing about Dave Bartholomew. In fact, I do.
@happyperson9344
RIP Antoine. your music, your personality, your humble kind love for everyone.. will live on in our memories and our hearts. You were an original, who brought much happiness to this world. I will miss you, but know you are in a far better place. God bless your family and help them thru this painful time. You are forever a legend.
@kevinbradford2262
Pierre Bismarck ditto a million New Orleans residents partied around the clock for 3days playing his 45s and yelling for a huge GRANITE to replace Robert. E lee's in Orleans. 150 million baby boomers will grieve for a log time. If '
@dwighthill58
Yes, life was so much better with Fats in it. There is not replacement for him or his music
@harrellkerkhoff8054
I never tire of listening and watching that man perform. Thank you Fats for all the great times.
@zdenekbrazda5580
R.I.P. Fats - King of Blueberry Hill, nice music, nice time. We are thinking of You........