Went down to New Orleans, one car, just my lady and me
To the ocean saw the levee holding back the sea
Oh, moon, it was after dark, storm coming, it was making its mark
One look at that levee and I thought of my heart
Oh, tell me, lady, when's the levee gonna break
How much longer till the walls come down
Oh, the flood is coming and I need to tell you something
For my poor heart's sake, oh, why
Walked around in the pouring rain, she was singing Dr. John by the train
Every stranger passing by asking, what's her name
Found our way to Frenchman Street, holding hands and her tapping my feet
I could only hear the thunder when she'd say something sweet
Oh, tell me, lady, when's the levee gonna break
How much longer till the walls come down
Oh, the flood is coming and I need to tell you something
For my poor heart's sake, oh, why