The New Orleans Saints finally did it. After 43 years in the NFL, they are finally champions. I never thought it would happen. They were so bad for so long. But tonight they beat Peyton Manning and the exceptional Indianapolis Colts. Bourbon Street is crazy tonight.

The song that kept running through my head as the Saints began to celebrate is “Makin’ Whoopee” by Dr. John and Rickie Lee Jones. Neither of these iconic performers wrote the song (it was written in 1928). Many great artists have recorded the warning about the perils of marriage and makin’ whoopee. But to my ears, the definitive version is from Dr. John’s 1989 record titled In A Sentimental Mood.

It’s only fitting the song would go through my head as the Saints cheered. Dr. John is a born and bred New Orleans cat. The version below from The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson is classic Dr. John piano playing with typical Rickie Lee Jones craziness (I do think she’s nuts. But that woman can sing!).

Go Saints. Go Rickie. Go Dr. John.

Buy “Makin’ Whoopee”

“Makin’ Whoopee” video with Dr. John and Rickie Lee Jones

Makin’ Whoopee Lyrics

Another bride Another June
Another sunny honey moon
another season, another reason
for makin’ whoopie

A lot of shoes, a lot of rice
the groom is nervous. he answers twice
its so killin’ that he’s so willin’
To make whoopee

Picture a little love nest
down where the roses cling
picture the same sweet love nest
Think what a year can bring

He’s washing dishes and baby clothes
He’s so ambitious he even sews
but don’t forget folks that’s what you get folks
for makin’ whoopee

Another year or maybe less
what’s this I hear? Well can’t you guess
She feels neglected and he’s suspected
of makin’ whoopee

She sits alone most every night
He doesn’t phone her he doesn’t write
he says he’s busy but she say’s “is he?”
He’s makin’ whoopee

He doesn’t make much money
only five thousand per
some judge who thinks he’s funny
says you’ll pay six to her

He says now judge suppose i fail
the judge says bud right into jail
you better keep her i think it’s cheaper
then makin’ whoopee

you better keep her
I know it’s cheaper than makin’ whoopee