second line
Chorus part two
Second line refers to the distinctive New Orleans tradition where a brass band parade is followed by an informal procession of dancers and revelers.
The "first line" is the official parade; the "second line" is everyone who joins in, often carrying parasols or handkerchiefs, dancing to the syncopated rhythm.
The term extends to the musical style itself—uptempo brass band music with a characteristic bouncing beat: a second line groove, second line drumming.
Second line parades mark funerals, weddings, and neighborhood celebrations throughout the city.
Louisiana's largest city
- brass bandHorn and percussion ensemble
- jazz funeralMusical procession honoring the dead
- processionFormal moving line
- umbrellasHandheld rain shelters
handkerchiefs · street beat · sousaphone · trombone · trumpet · saxophone · rebirth · celebration
New Orleans
Louisiana's largest city
- brass bandHorn and percussion ensemble
- jazz funeralMusical procession honoring the dead
- processionFormal moving line
umbrellas · handkerchiefs · street beat · sousaphone · trombone · trumpet · saxophone · rebirth · celebration · strut
- LouisianaNew Orleans, Baton Rouge, Bourbon Street, Shreveport, French Quarter
- New OrleansFrench Quarter, Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras, Jackson Square, jazz
- phone servicesvoicemail, caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, call blocking
- drummingsnare drum, drum roll, drumroll, beat, drumsticks
- Early JazzNew Orleans jazz, Dixieland, hot jazz, ragtime, Louis Armstrong
- French AmericaCajun, Creole, French Quarter, New Orleans, Cajun French
second linefirst line
Initial verse of stanza
lead vocal · melody · opening line · top line · main theme
line, second, section, sector, secondary, secondhand, seconds, bisect, secondly