The lyrics were inspired by the suffering Connick witnessed when he visited New Orleans in the days immediately following Hurricane Katrina.

Each verse of the song is describing what he saw as he was led by a man he had met on the street earlier that day, named Darryl.

Featured singer Kim Burrell asked that her voice specifically represent them.

Burrell also asked that a final verse be added for her to sing, which Connick wrote in the studio.

Harry Connick Jr.'s favorite part of the performance is when Kim Burrell improvises the line 'come see about me,' which, he says "was all those folks wanted that day, someone to come and see about them."