I promise this is my last Dr. John-related post (for a while).
Professor Longhair was an early influence on Dr. John. He covered this song on his Gumbo album. But this version is just great. I understand that the songwriter (also the whistler) had to convince the good Professor to include the horn section.
The song is a nod to the Mardis Gras Indians. And, like most things out of New Orleans, enjoying life.