New Orleans
Harry Connick Jr. Lyrics


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Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
And miss her each night and day
I know I'm not wrong because the feeling's
Getting stronger the longer I stay away

Miss the moss-covered vines, tall sugar pines
Where mockingbirds used to sing
I'd love to see that old lazy Mississippi
Running in the spring

Moonlight on the bayous
Creole tunes fill the air
I dream about magnolias in June
And I'm wishin I was there

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
When that's where you left your heart




And there's one thing more, I miss the one I care for
More than I miss New Orleans

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Harry Connick Jr.'s "Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans" conveys a deep sense of longing and nostalgia for the city and all that it represents. The song is clearly an ode to the incomparable beauty and cultural richness that New Orleans embodies, and it is a call to all who have ever been touched by the city to come home.


The first verse of the song speaks to the universal feeling of homesickness, a feeling that is often exacerbated when the place in question is as iconic and unique as New Orleans. The second verse is a paean to the city's natural beauty, from the moss-covered vines to the lazy Mississippi. The third verse evokes the sounds and sensations of the city, from the moonlight on the bayous to the sweet melodies of Creole tunes.


The final verse brings a heartbreaking twist, as Connick sings about missing the one he cares for more than he misses the city itself. This last verse speaks to the bittersweet nature of New Orleans and its unique ability to capture the heart and soul of anyone who passes through its streets.


Overall, "Do You Know What it Means to Miss New Orleans" is a powerful tribute to a place that holds a special place in the hearts of many. Its lyrics are both wistful and celebratory, a reminder of all the things that make New Orleans one of the most beloved cities in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans
Have you ever experienced the feeling of longing and yearning for the city of New Orleans?


And miss her each night and day
Feeling the absence of the city every moment of every day and constantly thinking of it.


I know I'm not wrong because the feeling's Getting stronger the longer I stay away
The feeling of missing New Orleans is not going away and is only intensifying the longer the singer stays away from the city.


Miss the moss-covered vines, tall sugar pines Where mockingbirds used to sing
Longing to see the greenery, nature, and wildlife that the city of New Orleans is famous for.


I'd love to see that old lazy Mississippi Running in the spring
Desiring to see the slow-moving, peaceful river that has always been a part of New Orleans in the spring season.


Moonlight on the bayous Creole tunes fill the air
Recalling the beautiful moonlit nights on the bayous of New Orleans and the lively, cultural music that used to fill the air.


I dream about magnolias in June And I'm wishin I was there
Daydreaming about the sweet fragrance of magnolias in June and wishing to be in New Orleans to experience it once again.


Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans When that's where you left your heart
Feeling a profound sense of loss and emptiness when the city of New Orleans is where your heart belongs and where you have left it.


And there's one thing more, I miss the one I care for More than I miss New Orleans
Missing someone the singer cares for more than missing the entirety of New Orleans, despite how much they long to be in the city.




Contributed by Taylor V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Bryant TheWizz

Dang! I didn't know Harry's live concerts were this good!

Nick Stanley

Perhaps among the best live shows I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen a few. Musicianship off the charts.

Jimmy Anuszewski

RIP Lucien...you were an amazing bone player and even more amazing human.

L McDonough

Just saw Harry last weekend in LA for his Christmas show and they played some New Orleans music as well but it was so sad to not have Lucien on stage. He was truly amazing 😢

cedric mayfield

For those who didn't catch it because of all the theatrics, those solos were KILLIN! 

Tom Brantley

Unbelievably awesome!!

chazinko

Looks like a party and the music is killin'!

Todd

So a fantastic artist! I can't get enough! Got to see him in Austin, what a voice.

Jason Ingram

I've Traveled the USA extensively 43 states. There is nothing like the culture and texture of New Orleans. Steeped in rich tradition and absolutely unique in every way. Madi Gras and the French Quarter, "The Food", the party atmosphere is epic.

Caroline Modenbach

I love this version!

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