Mardi Gras
Roy Byrd Lyrics

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Well I'm goin' to New Orleans
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

Goin' down to New Orleans
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

Overall Meaning

Roy Byrd's "Mardi Gras" can be interpreted as a celebration of cultural identity and heritage in New Orleans, which is celebrated annually through the Mardi Gras festival. The singer expresses their excitement and anticipation of visiting New Orleans to witness the Mardi Gras carnival, and to see the Zulu King and Queen. The song also implies a sense of community and belonging through shared experiences, as carnival-goers come together to celebrate their culture.

The Mardi Gras festival is rooted in French Catholic tradition and is celebrated in many parts of the world but is famously associated with New Orleans. Mardi Gras is a time to indulge in food, drink, art, and music, and celebrate the city's diverse and rich history. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club was founded in New Orleans in 1909 and is one of the oldest African-American parading clubs. Today, the Zulu parade is one of the most popular traditions during the Mardi Gras festival and features elaborately decorated floats and colorful costumes.

Overall, Byrd's "Mardi Gras" is a joyous celebration of individual and collective identity, as well as a nod to the cultural celebrations and history of New Orleans.

Line by Line Meaning

Well I'm goin' to New Orleans
I am embarking on a journey to New Orleans

I wanna see the Mardi Gras
I desire to experience the festivities of Mardi Gras

Yes I'm goin' to New Orleans
I am indeed traveling to New Orleans

When I see the Mardi Gras
Once I witness the spectacle of Mardi Gras

I wanna know what's carnival for
I want to understand the true meaning behind carnival

Goin' down to New Orleans
Heading towards New Orleans

I've got my ticket in my hands
I possess a ticket for my journey

When I get to New Orleans
Upon arrival in New Orleans

I wanna see the Zulu King
I wish to catch a glimpse of the Zulu King

Way down in New Orleans
Deep within the city of New Orleans

Down on Rampart and Dumaine
Located on Rampart and Dumaine streets