Picariello grew up in the North Boston suburb of Lynn and learned to play guitar as a boy. In high school, he formed a band and tried to emulate the hard-driving style of Little Richard. Picariello eventually signed with Philadelphia label Swan Records, a recording studio in which Dick Clark had an interest. Clark brought Picariello national exposure through numerous appearances on Clark's TV show, American Bandstand. Cannon holds the record for most appearances by a performer (110) on Bandstand! He and Clark continued to collaborate on Bandstand reunion concerts long after the TV show ended.
By 1959, Picariello was singing using the stage name, Freddy Cannon. He was also called "Boom Boom" because of his thundering musical renditions and the "Cannon" name. From 1959 through the early 60s, Cannon had three Top Ten hit:
Palisades Park
Tallahassee Lassie (A song written by Cannon's mother. It was also the first of 22 songs which appeared on the Billboard Charts for Cannon.)
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
On June 24, 1966, Cannon played himself and performed one of his own songs during the final episode of the teen soap opera "Never Too Young." The role of Cannon was played by David Julian Hirsh in George Clooney's 2003 film, "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind.'
As of 2006, Cannon was a resident of Tarzana, California, and continued performing in concert.
Way Down Yonder in New Orleans
Freddy Cannon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a Garden of Eden, ah, you know what I mean
Yeah, Creole babies with flashin' eyes softly whisper with tender sighs
And then you stop
Oh won't you give your lady fair a little smile
And then you stop
You bet your life you'll linger there a little while
Yeah, there is heaven right here on earth with those beautiful queens
Yeah, way down yonder in New Orleans
Way down yonder in New Orleans, woo, in the land of the dreamy scenes
There's a Garden of Eden, you know what I mean
Well, Creole babies with flashin' eyes softly whisper with tender sighs
And then you stop
Oh won't you give your lady fair a little smile
And then you stop
You bet your life you'll linger there a little while
Yeah, there is heaven right here on earth with those beautiful queens
Well, way down yonder in New Orleans
Yeah, woo
The lyrics to Freddy Cannon's "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" describe a utopian dreamland, known as New Orleans, where there is "heaven right here on earth" and a "Garden of Eden." The focus of the lyrics is on the women of New Orleans, who are described as "Creole babies with flashing eyes" that whisper "tender sighs." The singer implores the listener to "give your lady fair a little smile" and "linger there a little while," indicating a desire for a romantic connection in this idyllic paradise.
The lyrics of "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" are representative of the romanticization of New Orleans that has been present in popular culture throughout much of the 20th century. New Orleans has been portrayed as a city of mystique and allure, with its history of jazz music, Mardi Gras celebrations, and a diverse and vibrant culture. The song is an example of the way in which popular music has perpetuated the image of New Orleans as a magical and seductive place.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, way down yonder in New Orleans in the land of the dreamy scenes
New Orleans is a place of fantasy, with dreamy scenes making it seem surreal. It is located far from the singer.
There's a Garden of Eden, ah, you know what I mean
New Orleans is like the Garden of Eden, a heavenly place of beauty and dreaminess.
Yeah, Creole babies with flashin' eyes softly whisper with tender sighs
The singer is captivated by the beauty of Creole women, who have bright, alluring eyes and speak gently with longing.
And then you stop
The artist is so entranced by the scene that he stops in his tracks.
Oh won't you give your lady fair a little smile
The artist requests a smile from his own lady companion, as he is delighted by the environment and desires to share that happiness.
You bet your life you'll linger there a little while
The singer is certain that anyone would want to stay and soak in the beauty and calmness of New Orleans life.
Yeah, there is heaven right here on earth with those beautiful queens
To the singer, New Orleans is paradise on earth complete with charming and attractive women.
Well, way down yonder in New Orleans
This is a refrain to emphasize the focus of the song, which is the beauty and charm of New Orleans.
Way down yonder in New Orleans, woo, in the land of the dreamy scenes
Repeating the opening of the song helps to reiterate the dreamlike quality of the city and its surroundings.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BERNIE BENNICK, HENRY CREAMER, J. TURNER LAYTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
george laconga
Well, way down yonder in New Orleans in the land of the dreamy scenes
There's a Garden of Eden, ah, you know what I mean
Yeah, Creole babies with flashin' eyes softly whisper with tender sighs
And then you stop
Oh won't you give your lady fair a little smile
And then you stop
You bet your life you'll linger there a little while
Yeah, there is heaven right here on earth with those beautiful queens
Yeah, way down yonder in New Orleans
Way down yonder in New Orleans, woo, in the land of the dreamy scenes
There's a Garden of Eden, you know what I mean
Well, Creole babies with flashin' eyes softly whisper with tender sighs
And then you stop
Oh won't you give your lady fair a little smile
And then you stop
You bet your life you'll linger there a little while
Yeah, there is heaven right here on earth with those beautiful queens
Well, way down yonder in New Orleans
Yeah, woo
Don Cunningham
Freddie Cannon was seriously underrated. What energy!
radio _ha_ha
Instead of Freddie Mercury people say Freddy Mercury and now instead of Freddy Cannon people say Freddie Cannon
Romulus Hill
That's why I love the cannon so much he sings with energy
Peyton marceaux a fan of fans
@radio _ha_ha Hebrew
radio _ha_ha
@Peyton marceaux a fan of fans ?
Michael Rauch
He wasn't underrated. This song went around the world also in it's time in Dec 1959.
Eric Mack
I just discovered this guy. He’s really great! I thought I was well versed in the early days of rock n roll but it it seems I still have much to learn. Cheers to everyone who posts these classic era songs!
Sands of time
Freddy Cannon was out of Revere Ma. , like I was. He appeared on American Bandstand with Dick Clark more times than any other artist of that time. His mother wrote all of his songs for him. Pleasant sort of kid.
FoxRunMan
This song was written and first performed in 1922. It was transformed to a R&R song. I was 15 years old when Freddie's version first came out. I love it!!!! It brings back 1959.
Richie24
There is a version by Al Jolson on YouTube which amazingly sounds very similar.