The King of Storyville

Verse 1

Storyville

The red lights dimming

Steam whistles screaming by the docks

I had a cornet

Gold and cold

I learned the blues from Bolden

Down on South Rampart

Walking slow

Behind the pine box

Verse 2

Illinois

The iron rail

Grey smoke choking up the winter sky

Lincoln Gardens

Red sawdust floors

Sweat dripping off the brass bells

Young Louis

Standing tall

Right beside my shoulder

Chorus

Play that Dippermouth

Play it loud

The plunger mute is talking

Hear the stomp

The riverboat is rocking

Oh play it

Play it

Play it

Drop

Dippermouth blues

Stomp it down

Verse 3

Wax spinning

A horn in the wall

Don't move or you'll ruin the take

Banjo ticking

Like a clock

The clarinet is climbing ladders

Three choruses

Just for me

That wa-wa sound is crying

Chorus

Play that Dippermouth

Play it loud

The plunger mute is talking

Hear the stomp

The riverboat is rocking

Oh play it

Play it

Play it

Bridge

From the Delta to the Loop

From the funeral to the ball

We built the house

We broke the rules

We told the truth to everyone

Chorus

Play that Dippermouth

Play it loud

The plunger mute is talking

Hear the stomp

The riverboat is rocking

Oh play it

Play it

Play it

Drop

Canal Street stomp

Let it ride