Lyrics

I’m standin’ on the curb of Basin Street
In front of the cemetery
(I’m half) sober with a duty to complete
(I’ve) gotta do what’s necessary

(Yeah), I had absynth on Bourbon Street for breakfast
I toasted my true love the Nawleans way
And promised her I wouldn’t get too reckless
And not do what I needed to today

A year and a day, a year and a day
At dusk I’ll sweep my sweetheart away
I’m at the vaults of St. Louis
I heard the Natchez whistle scream
On this Friday the thirteenth of May
It’s been a year and day

Her last parade was in a coffin of pine
It’s a quick trip to the cript from the womb
(She had) brass horns ‘n me in the second line
(The) delta sun makes an oven right out of the tomb

Ashes to dust, now swept from her place
‘Cause they’re short o’ space in New Orleenz
(But with a) voodoo visit we’ll kiss ‘n celebrate
This year and a day … I left Mardi Gras beads

A year and a day, a year and a day
At dusk I swept my sweetheart away
I’m at the vaults of St. Louis
(and) I heard the Natchez whistle scream
On this Friday the thirteenth of May
It’s been a year and day

I’m at the vaults of St. Louis
(and) I heard the Natchez whistle scream
on this Friday the thirteenth of May
It’s been a year and day