[Verse 1]
My Lord, how the rains came down
The waters made a mighty sound
When the levees broke that day
Washin' all those souls away
The whole world stood to watch us drown
But we took it to a higher ground

[Chorus]
It takes more than a hurricane
To empty out the Pontchartrain
Long ago, we broke the chains
In New Orleans, New Orleans
When Brother Bill and Sister Nell
Are singing like a ringing bell
Then you'll know all is well
In New Orleans, New Orleans

[Bridge]
Bring it all, fire and flood
Fill the rivers up with mud
To cut and run ain't in our blood
We are New Orleans

[Verse 2]
So baby, let the life roll on
The blues were made to make us strong
We're walkin' in a brighter day
Nothin' can get in our way
The whole world stood to watch us drown
But we took it to a higher ground
[Chorus]
It takes more than a hurricane
To empty out the Pontchartrain
Long ago, we broke the chains
In New Orleans, New Orleans
When Brother Bill and Sister Nell
Are singing like a ringing bell
Then you'll know all is well
In New Orleans, New Orleans
New Orleans, New Orleans