There was a time when my soul was tight
And whiskey had a hold of my head
For every song that that liquor would write
That was one sip closer to death
Down Jackson, down bourbon, down Ursuline
Down basin, I walk discontent
With sugar on my lips and that cake on my mind
The devil followed wherever I went
At desire I knocked on that wooden sign
That promised to make truth of my dreams
But I couldn't get enough of that delicate stuff
To get the flames off the back of me
I asked God to meet me in New Orleans
And God did, and God did
I asked God to meet me in New Orleans
And God did, and God did
Water into wine and then the wine was poison of a kind
Saints and aints reach down and lifted me to higher higher ground
I asked God to meet me in New Orleans
And God did, and God did
Don't be scared, I have not found religion
Oh I've not, oh I have not
But something came and took me far beyond where I could hope to go
On the streets I'm leading the dancing of my joyous funeral
I asked God to meet me in New Orleans
And God did, and God did
I asked God to meet me in New Orleans
And God did, and God did
So beware children of that devious ride
The toll and tax will never be met
For every song that that liquor would write
That was one sip closer to death