Eh, La Bas

Eh La Bas is a traditional New Orleans song. Originally it was sung with Creole lyrics but was later given French lyrics and the common title from the French lyrics. There have been numerous versions, including English lyrics that refer to both the Cajun and French versions, and all employ a call and response.

Lyrics

Original Louisiana Creole lyrics and English translation:

French lyrics and English translation:

English lyrics

English lyrics by Louis Brown and Bob Stevens:

Eh la bas (Eh la bas)

Eh la bas (Eh la bas)

Eh la bas (Eh la bas)

Eh la bas (Eh la bas)

Tra-la-la (Tra-la-la)

Sis-Boom-Bah (Sis-Boom-Bah)

Eh la bas (Eh la bas)

Eh la bas (Eh la bas)

Well, I can't speak French, not in a pinch, so I don't know what it means.

But it sounds real good, like I know it would, like down in New Orleans.

I love to hear that clarinet burn, and hear them trambone glisses,

I'd like to sing French when I take my turn, but that ain't the kinda' band that this is!

Kid Ory sang that Cajun French in a fine ol' Creole way,

but the only Cajun I can say is "Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

So let the good times roll my friends, and let the music play,

Tomorrow may never come to be, so let's live it up today!

Versions

As a traditional song it has no copyright and its origins are uncertain. It has been widely recorded by New Orleans bands since the 1940s:

• The Creole Stompers — 1944
• Kid Ory's Creole Jazz Band — 1946
• Paul Barbarin — 1955
• Chris Barber's Jazz Band with Billie and De De Pierce in Preservation Hall, New Orleans — 1959
• The Original Tuxedo Jass Band — 1964
• Moise and Alida Viator with Eh, La-Bas! - 2003
• Preservation Hall Jazz Band

See also

• Music of New Orleans

References