(the) MARDI GRAS IS EVERYTHING
a short essay by Sethro Matelli
It’s really nice for Jah that his grandma sent him and his fam a box of beads for Mardi Gras and gave them the parade experience. It’s like Marcia sending Seth the Autumn leaf. I loved beads when I was a kid, too. I’d play with them, wear them, I… I probably used to put those shits in my mouth all the time. Kids are stupid. I was a kid. Holy shit, I’m dying of lead. I’m dying, I’m dying, I’m dying…Shitty Chinese shit. AHHHHHHHH!!!!!
Mardi Gras ain’t about beads, though, or parades once you’re an adult. It ain’t about anything except partying. You even get out of school for it. And it’s like sanctioned by God. Like, you’re supposed to get wasted, religiously. (I think, right?) FO’ REAL. It takes a serious, committed, and focused mind—and a drunk one. “Mardi Gras day 2,” wrote one friend, “also a success, but a more painful one. Now if I could just keep down this pedialyte…” It’s the best time ever.
As an aficionado of carnival (yes), I was wary while listening to UYD’s coverage of my beloved holiday in episode 311. I was left unsure about two things. First, I thought they might still throw Zulu coconuts (no one can ever wake up early enough for that parade even though it’s supposed to be really cool and I don’t think it starts until around 4:00). Second, I was going to talk about them saying “the Mardi Gras,” like, who says that? So, I went to verify my facts on the facebook:
.
Yeah you right. I concede to Jah’s representative, Professor Longhair. (Dude, he’s a Professor! He has tenure!) Furthermore, although the Zulu suit was tossed, I think they usually hand out the coconuts now to avoid the issue. So, the boys are on point, as uszh.
In conclusion, despite Dr. John’s general all-timeness, dopeness, and irreproachability, I like ths version of the Mardi Gras anthem Iko Iko by the Dixie Cups best.
Another version, part of which was Jah’s ringtone—Dr. John’s Gumbo recording—is superb and does make a superior ringtone, which is why I’ve made it available for you to download on Soundcloud. I’m sure Jah’s like, “Awesome, I hoped everyone else would have my fresh new ringtone.”
Source: nola.com