From the recording Melange
Adapted from Chantez Les Bas by W.C. Handy and Brahms Violin Concerto in D minor Op. 77, Adagio
Arrangement and additional lyrics by Mike Kelleher
Violin Solo by Karin Kelleher
(ASCAP/Ⓟ Kelleher Music LLC)
Lyrics
Down in Louisiana,
Louisiana,
land of Creole Sues,
patois,
Mardi Gras
and romantic blues,
once I heard a lover,
when work was over,
strum a creole croon
to his lovey-dovey
underneath the dixie moon.
I heard her say
“Chantez les bas.”
That means, in Creole,
“Sing ‘em low”.
Yeah, chantez les bas!
She liked her blues played
sweetly and slow.
Yeah, chantez les bas!
I love to hear that serenade.
And if you listen just a while
I’ll sing for you just what he said:
“Oh in de mornin’ baby
jes’ fore day.
In the morning
just for a day.
In the morning
just for a day
in New Orleans!”
And he said “Keely, baby
jes’ fore day!
I got a po’ boy
you got to taste.”
And she said “Jackie baby
come my way --
and don’t forget the remoulade!”