New Orleans’ Endless Melody

While walking through the quarter one sultry evening with my family, I had one of those New Orleans moments that for me distilled the entire trip down to one four-minute encounter.

I think we were on Royal Street when we heard a street musician. There are a few of them coming back, playing on corners for tourist tips. This was a 2-man act: an older black man singing and a younger Asian guy playing keyboard, set up at the edge of the street, just off the sidewalk. Someone later told me this singer has been featured on a tourism commercial for the city.

These two guys, sitting in the gutter of Royal Street, were squeezing every ounce of emotion out of “Endless Melody,” a hit for the Righteous Brothers in the 60s. The singer’s huge baritone reached out and grabbed us, while the keyboardist carefully followed the singer with head down, feeling the music. They were playing with feeling a sensitivity rare for street musicians. A small crowd of tourists were drawn to the music.

Oh my love, my darling
I hunger for your touch.
The long lonely time.
Time goes by so slowly
And time can do so much
Are you still mine?

I need your love,
I need your love,
God speed your love to me.

At the end we clapped and cheered, and one librarian belted out “Bravisimo!” It was a love song from the city to it’s own exiles, wooing them back home like a lover after a quarrel. “Come on, Baby,” the singer seemed to say, “I know we’ve had problem — serious problems. God knows I ain’t perfect. But baby, I just can’t make it without you. Your love sustains me and gives my life meaning. Come on back, to the Bywater, the garden district, to uptown, downtown, the Lower Nine. Come on back and bring the kids. We’ll fix this mess up — you’ll see. I’ll be waiting. Come on back.

I hope they do.