Mardi Gras

Album: Black (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This jazzy love metaphor finds Bentley comparing a girl to the wild time at Mardi Gras. The track was co-written by Natalie Hemby (Little Big Town's "Pontoon," Miranda Lambert's "Automatic"), who also contributed backing vocals.

    Bentley reached out to a number of guest vocalists for Black in addition to Hemby, including singer-songwriters Maren Morris and Elle King and Nashville songsmiths Hillary Lindsey and Jessi Alexander. "Having a female perspective on this record really made the album more than just music," Bentley told Radio.com. "It makes it a conversation between a guy and a girl. Sometimes it's harmonious and sometimes it's two people clashing, but it's always there."
  • The song features the wobbly sounds of New Orleans modern jazz/soul virtuoso Trombone Shorty to emphasize the Mardi Gras sound. Trombone Shorty previously collaborated with a Nashville artist when he and his horn section guested on Zac Brown Band's "Overnight."
  • Paul Simon once asked "Take Me To The Mardi Gras," in reference to the famous New Orleans Mardi Gras festival. It was a top 10 hit in the UK but was less successful in the US. Here are some more Mardi Gras fun facts from The Encyclopedia of Trivia:

    Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebrations, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (Three King's Day) and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday.

    Mardi Gras is French for "Fat Tuesday", reflecting the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.

    The first Mardi Gras parade held in New Orleans is recorded to have taken place in 1837. The tradition in New Orleans expanded to the point that it became synonymous with the city in popular perception, and embraced by residents of New Orleans beyond those of French or Catholic heritage.

    About 1.4 million people attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans every year, but the population for the rest of the year is just over 384,000.

    Popular hotels in New Orleans put grease on balcony support poles during Mardi Gras so drunks can't climb in.

Comments: 1

  • Dastin from UsDierks Bentley one of my favorite musicians, I love his voice. Mardi Gras fantastic song with good lyrics.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chris Tomlin

Chris TomlinSongwriter Interviews

The king of Christian worship music explains talks about writing songs for troubled times.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Song Titles That Inspired Movies

Song Titles That Inspired MoviesSong Writing

Famous songs that lent their titles - and in some cases storylines - to movies.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."