Founding member Ellis Joseph brought a crew together to bring NOLA music and the spirit of the second line, to others that had been forced to flee the storm's devastation.
They saw success with their track [trackartist=Free Agents Brass Band]We Made It Through That Water, which featured both diagetically and on the released soundtracks of the show Treme, as well as the major feature documentary Trouble the Water.
[albumartist=Free Agents Brass Band]We Made It Through That Water is the group's sole LP.
Other regular band members/leaders include:
Alfred Growe - Trombone
Arian “Big Boy” Macklin Sr. - Tuba
Ersel “Garfield” Bogan - Trombone
Shannon Haynes - Trumpet
Chad Brown - Trumpet
Julian Gosin
Renard “Teedy Man” Henry
We Made It Through That Water
Free Agents Brass Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm so glad we back home
I'm so glad we back home
I'm so glad we back home
We made it through that water
We made it through that water
That muddy muddy water
We made it through that water
We made it through that water
That muddy muddy water
That muddy muddy water
It was so bad how they had us on that bridge
So lets get it how we live
That's why we did what we did
When I lost my city, I almost lost my mind
I'm in and out of hotels,
Feel like I'm doing time
Please Mr. Officer, don't shoot
Cuz I ain't even daze
I was stuck up on that roof
I ain't tryin' to make no excuse
But they running from the truth
We known they blew them levees
But we ain't got no proof
Whatever they do, I can't turn my back
I was born right chea, so right chea is where I'm at
Send them troops home,
Look daddy this ain't Iraq
Tell FEMA we gone need more than ten stacks
Wherever you at, St. Bernard to Calio
One time to it big for Deniro
Each town, all the way from the A
We appreciate the love
But my people can't stay
We den made it
We made it through that water
We made it through that water
That muddy muddy water
That muddy muddy water
We made it through that water
We made it through that water
That muddy muddy water
That muddy muddy water
Wade in that water
Wade in that water children
Wade in that water
We made it through that muddy muddy water
Wade in that water
Wade in that water children
Wade in that water
We made it through that muddy muddy water
You known, you know
Like I know, I know
Ain't no city like the N-O, N-O
You known, you know
Like I know, I know
Ain't no city like the N-O, N-O
You known, you know
Like I know, I know
Ain't no city like the N-O, N-O
You known, you know
Like I know, I know
Ain't no city like the N-O, N-O
We made it through that water
We made it through that water
That muddy muddy water
That muddy muddy water
We made it through that water
We made it through that water
That muddy muddy water
That muddy muddy water
The song "We Made It Through That Water" is a tribute to those who survived Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. The song speaks of the struggles endured by the city during and after the hurricane, including the flooding and the destruction of homes and lives. The repetition of the line "We made it through that water" serves as a reminder that despite the hardships, the people are resilient and able to overcome adversity.
The lyrics also address the issues of police brutality and government neglect that plagued the city during the aftermath of the hurricane. The reference to being stuck on a roof and the plea to the officer not to shoot serves as a reminder of the injustices faced by the people of New Orleans during that time. The song also makes reference to the political debates surrounding the levees, lamenting the lack of proof of government involvement while acknowledging the reality of the situation.
Overall, the song is a powerful anthem of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. It acknowledges the pain and suffering of the people, while also celebrating their ability to overcome and thrive in the face of great challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm so glad we back home
Expressing relief and joy at being back in their home after surviving a traumatic experience.
We made it through that water
Acknowledging the challenging and dangerous experience of surviving Hurricane Katrina's flooding.
That muddy muddy water
Referring to the dirty and debris-filled water that engulfed many parts of New Orleans during the hurricane.
It was so bad how they had us on that bridge
Explaining the harrowing experience of being stuck on a bridge without food, water, or shelter.
So lets get it how we live
Suggesting that they will persevere and rebuild their city despite the immense challenges.
That's why we did what we did
Referencing the resilience and resourcefulness shown by many New Orleans residents after the disaster.
When I lost my city, I almost lost my mind
Expressing deep emotional pain and trauma associated with losing their home and community.
I'm in and out of hotels, Feel like I'm doing time
Describing the sense of displacement and instability associated with evacuating to unfamiliar places.
Please Mr. Officer, don't shoot, Cuz I ain't even daze
Reflecting on the racial tensions and injustices experienced by some residents during the aftermath of Katrina.
I was stuck up on that roof
Recounting the physical danger and isolation experienced by many residents during the flooding.
I ain't tryin' to make no excuse
Taking responsibility for their actions and decisions made during and after the disaster.
But they running from the truth, We known they blew them levees
Criticizing the government's response to the disaster, including the suspicion that they intentionally blew up levees.
But we ain't got no proof
Acknowledging the difficulty of proving the government's responsibility for the destruction caused by the levees breaking.
Whatever they do, I can't turn my back
Committing to staying involved and fighting for justice for their community.
I was born right chea, so right chea is where I'm at
Proudly asserting their connection and loyalty to their city and community.
Send them troops home, Look daddy this ain't Iraq
Requesting that government resources be redirected to help residents in New Orleans, rather than continuing involvement in the Iraq War.
Tell FEMA we gone need more than ten stacks
Demanding more resources and aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Wherever you at, St. Bernard to Calio
Extending gratitude and recognition to all the communities affected by the hurricane.
One time to it big for Deniro
Giving a shout-out to their city and its rich cultural heritage.
Each town, all the way from the A
Acknowledging the widespread support and solidarity from people across the country.
We appreciate the love
Expressing gratitude for the outpouring of generosity and support from others.
But my people can't stay, We den made it
Indicating that, despite surviving the hurricane and its aftermath, there is still a long road to recovery and rebuilding.
Contributed by Carson H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.