I Wish I Was In New Orleans
Tom Waits · Small Change [1976]
I can see it in my dreams
Arm in arm down Burgundy
A bottle and my friends and me
Hoist up a few tall cool ones
Play some pool and listen to that
Tenor saxaphone calling me home
And I can hear the band begin
When The Saints Go Marching In
By the whiskers on my chin
New Orleans I'll be there
I'll drink you under the table
Be red nose go for walks
The old haunts what I wants
Is red beans and rice
And wear the dress I like so well
Meet me at the old saloon
Make sure there's a Dixie moon
New Orleans I'll be there
And deal the cards roll the dice
If it ain't that ole Chuck E. Weiss
And Claiborne Avenue me and you
Sam Jones and all
And I wish I was in New Orleans
I can see it in my dreams
Arm in arm down Burgundy
A bottle and my friends and me
New Orleans I'll be there
I Wish I Was In New Orleans
Tom Waits' 'I Wish I Was In New Orleans' stands as a vivid centerpiece on his 1976 album Small Change, marking a pivotal shift in his artistic trajectory. During this era, Waits moved away from his earlier folk-rock sensibilities toward a darker, more experimental sound characterized by jagged rhythms and theatrical storytelling. This track captures the essence of that transition, immersing listeners in a gritty, atmospheric soundscape that reflects the artist's growing fascination with the American underbelly. The recording showcases Waits' distinctive vocal delivery and his ability to conjure specific, evocative imagery through music alone. As part of a celebrated body of work, the song remains a testament to his unique approach to composition and his enduring influence on alternative and roots music.