I'm sitting here in my office minding my own business. About thirty minutes ago, I had one of those New Orleans urges that hits me occasionally. It's a sad, lonely, mournful feeling for a place that I love. I want to be there so bad I can actually physically feel an invisible force pulling me east.
I have my XM satellite radio set on the 70's channel. Three songs ago, Play that Funky Music White Boy played. This is a song that my brother always karaokes at the Cat's Meow and is being played in at least three bars on Bourbon Street at any given moment.
Next song played: We Are Fam-i-ly. This is a song that at least two people in our group karaokes every trip. I know it's cliche but, you'd do it too after two 3-for-1 drinks surrounded by your brother, sisters and best friends.
Next song played (I swear I'm not making this up): Heart of the Night. I really think someone's trying to tell me something. Here are the lyrics:
In the heart of the night
In the cool southern rain
There's a full moon in sight
Shinin' down on the Pontchartrain
And the river she rises
Just like she used to do
She's so full of surprises
She reminds me of you
Chorus:
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
In the heart of the night
Oh, down in New Orleans
There's a nightbird singing
Right on through till the dawn
And the streets are still ringing
With people carrying on
It's been so long waiting
Just to be here again
Anticipating
All the time I could spend
5 comments:
May be the Orleans Jazz Festival will ease your longing (somewhat). I hope I get to join you. xoxo Poodles
P.S. My Mom was in New Orleans this past Saturday. She brought me back three fabulous watercolor paintings -- 1 of the Cathedral; and 2 of the French Quarter in general. These will hang over my sofa. I already have two charcoal drawings that my Mom and Dad bought during their honeymoon in New Orleans 40+ years ago.
Hey--you never answered my email regarding songs about or with New Orleans talked about in them.
Any other suggestions?
When is Jazz Fest? I will be there Sept 29-August 2.
Poodles - I'm hoping the Jazz Fest will help. The charcoals and watercolors sound wonderful!
Zina - I just sent you a response. Sorry about that! Beaumont is having a little Jazz Fest Saturday.
I feel your pain Laurie, there are a lot of songs that remind me of my trips to N.O. as well.
...and smells, like the constant smell of bread pudding wafting from Commander's Palace. And the putrid stale beer, urine, and vomit smell from the gutter on Bourbon street, and I mean that in a good way...seriously.
Danno - People laugh at me when I pass by a dumpster and go, "Ah, that smells like New Orleans." They can never figure out why I consider that a good thing. :)
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