Christmas in New Orleans
Louis Armstrong With Benny Carter and His Orchestra Lyrics


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Way down yonder in New Orleans
In the land of the dreamy scenes
There's a Garden of Eden
You know what I mean

Creole babies with flashin' eyes
Softly whisper their tender sighs then stop
Won't you give your lady fair a little smile?
Stop, ya bet your life you'll linger there a little while

We've got heaven right here on earth
With those beautiful queens
Way down yonder in New Orleans

You're gonna find heaven right here on earth
With all them beautiful queens
Way down yonder in New Orleans

I'm goin' down yonder to New Orleans
It's way down yonder in New Orleans

Overall Meaning

The song "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" paints a picture of the vibrant and lively city of New Orleans. It speaks of a Garden of Eden, a paradise-like haven, filled with Creole babies flashing their eyes and whispering soft tender sighs. The song emphasizes the scintillating beauty of the city and the women all around it. It invites the listeners to give a little smile to their lady fair and stay longer in the city.


The song describes the city as a heaven on earth, with its beautiful queens, the Creole ladies with their flashing eyes, whispering tender sighs, and charming personalities. It is a classic example of the upbeat and lively jazz music of New Orleans. The song is symbolic of the city's culture, entertainment, and the enticing charm that people experience there.


Overall, the song "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans" is an ode to the city's beauty, culture, and way of life. It encapsulates the essence of New Orleans's charm, making it one of the most popular and beloved songs ever written about the Crescent City.


Line by Line Meaning

Way down yonder in New Orleans
The city of New Orleans is located far south, where the sights and sounds are different from other places.


In the land of the dreamy scenes
The scenery in New Orleans can seem unreal or dream-like.


There's a Garden of Eden
New Orleans is a paradise on earth.


You know what I mean
You understand the beauty and magic that exists in this city.


Creole babies with flashin' eyes
The children of New Orleans, often of mixed race and culture, have lively and mischievous personalities.


Softly whisper their tender sighs then stop
They speak softly and sweetly, then become quiet.


Won't you give your lady fair a little smile?
Smile at the women you meet, they deserve your attention and kindness.


Stop, ya bet your life you'll linger there a little while
If you stop and take time to experience New Orleans' beauty and culture, you'll never want to leave.


We've got heaven right here on earth
New Orleans is so magical and wonderful, it feels like being in heaven while still on earth.


With those beautiful queens
The women of New Orleans are stunning and charming.


I'm goin' down yonder to New Orleans
The singer is excited to go to New Orleans.


It's way down yonder in New Orleans
New Orleans is a long way from where the artist currently is.




Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: BERNIE BENNICK, HENRY CREAMER, J. TURNER LAYTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@patrickstocks3576

Magnolia trees at night, sparkling bright
Fields of cotton look wintry white
When it’s Christmas time in New Orleans

A barefoot choir in prayer fills the air
Mississippi folks gathering there
‘Cause it’s Christmas time in New Orleans

You’ll see a Dixieland Santa Claus 🎅
Leading the band to a good old Creole beat
Golly, what a spirit, you can only hear it
Down on Basin Street

Your kids will disappear 🫠 when you hear 👂
Hallelujah, St Nicholas is here
When it’s Christmas time in New Orleans

You’ll see a Dixieland Santa Claus 🎅
A leading the band to a good, good old Creole beat
And golly, what a spirit and you can only hear it
A down on Basin Street

Your kids will disappear and when you hear 👂
Hallelujah, old Santa is near
When it’s Christmas time in New Orleans
Yes, when it’s Christmas time
It’s Christmas time in New Orleans



All comments from YouTube:

@ericmccaulley5008

Louis had the magic. He made you feel that no matter how bad things can get. Everything is gonna be alright.❤

@CanadaPatriot

Louis Armstrong's songs are like presents, they make you happy. R.I.P Legend...

@biketech60

America's greatest music ambassador .

@iceman1663

He was born poor ,died rich , and never hurt anyone along the way -Duke ellington on louis Armstrong

@kevind7422

I dunno, both passed when I was still a kid in the '70s. Can't overstate how huge that was. But, I differ w Duke. We all hurt somebody, many more than one, on our journey - however unintentional (and somtimes very much otherwise). We are fallible and occasionally foul creatures who - if we're lucky - learn from our transgressions and mistakes. Repent, make amends, do better next time.

@tashalorm4313

He was born rich and died rich, because he was born with a rich soul. Some people are born with the richest (material) they are poor and remain poor, because they have a poor soul.

@ericmccaulley5008

God that solo, Louie gave you just what you needed! Merry Christmas!❤

@kellyhundley6515

It's not Christmas at my house without this song.

@harryjamessmithmusic7762

Such a brilliant artist! He is still irreplaceable as his voice!

@m.a.c7351

On the Crescent City Bridge and this song 🎵 comes on the radio, WOWW!!!

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