New Orleans cries when she sings
And she flies on broken wings
Tryin' to keep her head above the water rollin' in
But her song is loud and strong
And she'll keep on keepin' on
As long as there's a place to stand
The band keeps playing on
New Orleans, I can feel your pain
Run through my mind every time I hear your name

I've seen your dark side
I've seen your sun rise
Oh it's been a long long ride
But you're coming back
You're coming back again

Mardi Gras. Indians a coming
The night skies turn to blue
Big ol' brass bands blowin'
The second line roll through
Big Chiefs down on dryness
Coming from uptown
Booming off the buildings
Shakin' up the ground

This city's rising
Ain't nobody gonna keep it down
This city's rising
Ain't nobody gonna keep it down

Oh New Orleans
Can't you feel the rain?
Wash away the cities blues
Wash away the pain
Take me to your cemetery
Turn me back around
Take me to your river
Wash me in your sound

This city's rising
Ain't nobody gonna keep it down
This city's rising
Ain't nobody gonna keep it down

Going big ain't easy
You can lose your way
Justice here ain't pretty
It gets ugly and insane
Karma come back on ya
It's a price you gotta pay
Living here in New Orleans
Gotta let the music play

This city's rising
Ain't nobody gonna keep it down
This city's rising
Ain't nobody gonna keep it down
This city's rising
Ain't nobody gonna keep it down

New Orleans cries when she sings
And she flies on broken wings
Trying to keep her head above the water rollin' in
'Cause this city's risin'
Ain't nobody, ain't nobody
Gonna keep it down