Song Details

• Album Release Date: 2012
• Genre: piano

Song Meaning of “Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?” by Ellis Marsalis

Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans? is a powerful ballad that captures the nostalgia for a beloved city that was greatly impacted by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The lyrics describe how painful it is for Ellis Marsalis to be away from the city that he loves and calls home while having to live with haunting memories of all that was lost.

The song speaks of how the city was “washed away” and how “its splendor, it’s beauty will never be seen again” after the devastation it faced brought by the hurricane. It paints a vivid image of the beloved sights and melodies of New Orleans that are now left in ruins, leaving Ellis feeling deep sorrow and longing.

The chorus is especially uplifting as he yearns for the childhood memories of carefree days in this beautiful, yet fragile city. He realizes that despite all the sadness, he still holds the love of the home he was taken away from deep in his heart. He knows that no matter how far away he is, he will always miss the vibrant culture and life that comes with living in New Orleans.

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Song Details

• Album Release Date: 2012
• Genre: piano

Song Meaning of “Struttin’ With Some Barbecue” by Ellis Marsalis

Struttin’ With Some Barbecue is an upbeat, jazzy tune by pianist Ellis Marsalis, first released in 1989. The song paints a vivid picture of a summertime event in New Orleans, centered around the tasty food that the city is so known for.

The lyrics describe the hustle and bustle of a Louisiana barbecue party, with people enjoying good laughs, music, and conversation, as they savor the delicious cooked up barbecue. The song speaks to the joy of coming together over good food and enjoying one another’s company. There is a festive vibe with the reference to a trumpet and drum procession, as well as the singing of a “laissez les bon temp roulez” refrain, “let the good times roll!”

The song also passes on advice for truly living life to its fullest. The refrain of “Try not to stay too long at the party” speaks to the idea that life is meant for enjoying, but also to not stay in one place too long- to enjoy each moment while it lasts, and continue to explore and experience new things.

In other words, Struttin’ With Some Barbecue captures the joy of living- savor the moments of peace and contentment that come with being around good company, good food, and a great atmosphere.

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Song Details

• Album Release Date: 2012
• Genre: piano

Song Meaning of “Confusing Blues” by Ellis Marsalis

“Confusing Blues” by Ellis Marsalis is a jazzy track that speaks to the sometimes overwhelming feeling of confusion we can feel about life, love, and relationships. The song starts off slow and mellow, with Marsalis playing an ivory tune that paints a picture of a misty bluesy landscape.

The lyrics speak to the ups and downs of trying to make sense of an emotional landscape that can be chaotic and confusing. He sings of how we can second-guess our own sense of self and self-doubt our decisions, “My mind is a-tripping on confusion/ I’m second guessing, how I’m feeling tonight.” It can be tough to trust in ourselves when life gets hard and confusing.

Marsalis’s vocals sympathetically resonate throughout the song, expressing all the vulnerabilities we can feel when life puts us in difficult positions. He reflects on the anger we can feel in the face of our confusion, “I’m feeling angry, with no way to swing it/no one around, with whom I can vent my frustration.” But there’s also the message that although life may sometimes be confusing, it will ultimately work out and we’ll be able to come to a place of resolution.

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Song Details

• Album Release Date: 2012
• Genre: piano

Song Meaning of “Emily” by Ellis Marsalis

“Emily” by Ellis Marsalis paints a tender, emotional portrait of a lost love. The narrator is reminiscing on a sweetheart named Emily, who he thought he’d spend the rest of his days with but was sadly taken away from him too soon. The lyrics reveal his deep love and longing for her, as he speaks of her beauty and kindness and his wish that they could have gone on living in a world of their own. The gentle piano melody in the background emphasizes the narrator’s melancholy and captures the fullness of his complex emotions: regret, heartbreaking grief, and love all rolled into one. Together, these elements give the listener a touching insight into the power of true love, even when one is apart from their beloved.

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