Well, I'm goin' back to New Orleans, to where I long to be.
Well, I'm goin' back to New Orleans, where I long to be.
Yes, in my poor lonely mind, it's the only place for me.

Yes, I'm goin' back home, if I have to hitchhike all the way.
Yes, I'm goin' back home, if I have to hitchhike all the way.
I'm goin' where they make love by the moonlight, ha hah, lay in the shade all day.

Creole baby's got coal black hair, and got those big brown eyes.
Yes, they got big brown eyes, and that coal black hair.
That's where you find your true love, that's why I'm goin' back there.

Dear ol' New Orleans, is where I long to be.
Dear ol' New Orleans – [spoken words: not anymore – no, that's right] – is where I long to be.
Yes, it's my hometown, that is the place for me.