Introduction:
New Orleans, released in 1999, is a country song by American singer-songwriter Toby Keith. It appears on his studio album How Do You Like Me Now?!, which achieved platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), indicating sales of over one million units in the United States. New Orleans itself wasn’t a chart-topping single, but it became a fan favorite and a staple of Keith’s live performances.
The song tells a fictional story set in the backdrop of the vibrant city of New Orleans. The lyrics paint a picture of a chance encounter between a young country boy and a woman from out of town. Their paths cross at a gas station, and a brief conversation sparks a connection. However, the narrative takes a turn, and the details of their future remain unresolved.
New Orleans is notable for its departure from some of the more typical themes found in Toby Keith’s music. While Keith is known for his rebellious streak and patriotic anthems, New Orleans offers a glimpse into a softer side. The song showcases his storytelling ability and his connection to the South, particularly the allure and mystique of New Orleans.
The song was co-produced by Toby Keith himself alongside James Stroud. Stroud, a veteran music producer, has credits on numerous country albums by artists like Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, and Rascal Flatts.
New Orleans serves as a microcosm of Keith’s artistic approach. It blends traditional country elements with a relatable story, all delivered in his signature baritone voice. While not his biggest hit, the song left a lasting impression on fans and solidified his reputation as a versatile country music artist.
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Lyrics:
He was twenty-five, she was twenty-eightHe was home grown country, she’d just pulled off the interstateShe bought a Dr. Pepper, ten dollars worth of gasShe was obviously lost but too afraid to ask directionsSo he offered her a smile and a stick of Beech Nut gumHe said where you headed to girl, where are you coming fromShe saidNew Orleans but that’s another storyNew Orleans that’s another timeThat’s another town, that’s another lifeFirst she stayed a day then she stayed a weekCouple of months later they were living on his parent’s streetHe worked the station and she worked the storeAnd then they had a baby andThen they had one more little JesseWhen she dropped the kids off at the mother’s day outAll the ladies had their questionsBut they knew not to ask aboutNew Orleans but that’s another storyNew Orleans that’s another timeThat’s another town, that’s another lifeWednesday night supper at the First Baptist ChurchStranger standin’ in the doorwayAs they’re passin’ out the dessertHe said go on and pack your bagsCause I’m here to take you homeI’m goin’ back to LouisianaAnd woman I ain’t gonna go with out youThere’s a few defining moments in every person’s lifeWhen you know what you’ve done wrongAnd you know what you’ve done rightAnd before the congregation and her husband and her kidsShe says, “How dare you even speak to meAfter everything you did” inNew Orleans but that’s another storyNew Orleans that’s another timeThat’s another town, that’s another lifeThat’s another town, that’s another life