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 Creole and French versions, and all employ a call and response.

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

The Original Tuxedo Jass Band — 1964

Original Louisiana Creole lyrics and English translation:

French lyrics and English translation:

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 bon 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!