1) Robert Parker (1930 – 2020) was… Read Full Bio ↴There are two artists with this name:
1) Robert Parker (1930 – 2020) was an American R&B singer and musician best known for his 1966 hit, "Barefootin’".
2) Robert Parker is an artist make 80s synth-pop instrumental music.
1) Robert Parker (October 14, 1930 – January 19, 2020) was an American R&B singer and musician best known for his 1966 hit, "Barefootin’".
Parker started his career as a saxophonist, playing with Professor Longhair on his hit "Mardi Gras In New Orleans" in 1949. Over the next decade, he played with most of New Orleans’ great musicians, including Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, and Huey “Piano” Smith. By 1958, he had started recording solo, having a local hit with the instrumental "All Night Long".
In 1965 he signed for Nola Records, and had his biggest hit with "Barefootin’", arranged and produced by Wardell Quezergue. This reached #2 on the R&B chart and #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although he continued to record, he failed to repeat his success in terms of sales, and his recording career effectively ended in the 1970s. However, he continued to perform and tour for many more years, remaining especially popular in the UK.
In April 2007, in recognition of his contributions to Louisiana and national music, Robert Parker was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall Of Fame.
2) Robert Parker is an artist using real synthesizers to make music in the style of 80s synth-pop instrumental music.
Bandcamp: http://robertparkerofficial.bandcamp.com/
Go to the Mardi Gras
Robert Parker Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wanna see the Mardi Gras
Yes I'm goin' to New Orleans
I wanna see the Mardi Gras
When I see the Mardi Gras
I wanna know what's carnival for
I've got my ticket in my hands
Goin' down to New Orleans
I've got my ticket in my hands
When I get to New Orleans
I wanna see the Zulu King
Way down in New Orleans
Down on Rampart and Dumaine
Yes down in New Orleans
On Rampart a-nd Dumaine
Gonna make it my standin' place
Until I see the Zulu Queen
Robert Parker's song "Go to the Mardi Gras" is a festive tune that captures the excitement and revelry of the annual Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. The lyrics tell of the singer's eagerness to experience this unique event firsthand, as he travels to the city with his ticket in hand. The song also expresses a desire to fully understand the meaning and significance behind Mardi Gras and all of its colorful traditions.
The first verse sets the scene for the journey, with the singer confidently proclaiming that he is "goin' to New Orleans" to witness the Mardi Gras. The repeated chorus reinforces this declaration, as he declares his eager desire to "see the Mardi Gras." However, the true intent behind the journey is revealed in the final line of the verse, as he reveals that he wants to understand "what's carnival for." This line reflects the curiosity and fascination that many people feel about Mardi Gras and its unique blend of cultural and religious influences.
The second verse continues the journey, with the singer emphasizing his preparations by mentioning that he has his ticket in hand. This line serves as a reminder that Mardi Gras is not just a spontaneous street party, but a carefully planned and organized event that requires tickets and official routes. The final line of the verse introduces another important figure in Mardi Gras tradition, the Zulu King. This line suggests that the singer is interested in exploring all aspects of Mardi Gras, from the grand parades to the smaller, more local customs.
The final verse brings the song back to the streets of New Orleans, specifically the intersection of Rampart and Dumaine. This location is significant because it is the historic site of one of the first recorded Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States. The line "gonna make it my standin' place" implies that the singer plans to spend a considerable amount of time at this location, perhaps in order to fully immerse himself in the Mardi Gras experience. The final line of the song, "until I see the Zulu Queen," hints at a continued interest in the rituals and traditions of Mardi Gras, and a willingness to explore all aspects of this vibrant celebration.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm goin' to New Orleans
I am heading towards New Orleans
I wanna see the Mardi Gras
I want to witness the Mardi Gras festival
Yes I'm goin' to New Orleans
I am really going to New Orleans
When I see the Mardi Gras
Upon experiencing the Mardi Gras festival
I wanna know what's carnival for
I wish to understand the significance of the carnival
Goin' down to New Orleans
I am travelling towards New Orleans
I've got my ticket in my hands
I have already collected my ticket
When I get to New Orleans
After reaching New Orleans
I wanna see the Zulu King
I want to witness the Zulu King
Way down in New Orleans
Deep within New Orleans
Down on Rampart and Dumaine
At the corner of Rampart and Dumaine streets
Yes down in New Orleans
Certainly within New Orleans
On Rampart a-nd Dumaine
Located at Rampart and Dumaine streets
Gonna make it my standin' place
I will make it my permanent spot
Until I see the Zulu Queen
Until I successfully experience the Zulu Queen
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ROLAND BYRD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@tzloft
Is this the original recording? Sounds different from the more common version
@mortifiedpenguinII
+Lee Toft I'm not sure! According to the liner notes its from 1949, with "Professor Longhair (real name: Roy Bird) (v, p); Robert Parker (as); poss. Charles Burbeck (ts); unknown (sb); Al Miller or John Woodrow (d)".
@tzloft
+mortifiedpenguinII Thank you for posting such fine music.
@mortifiedpenguinII
+Lee Toft Glad you enjoyed it! While the other versions are great, there's something about this one that brings me back to it time and again.