Q: How did you get those lyrics—by transcribing from the sheet music, or from a recording, or...?

The reason I ask: I wonder if it should be:

"high browns from down the levee"

But is there even a levee in New York? I have no idea.

Wikipedia tells me The Levee was a former red-light district in Chicago, but the song clearly describes New York. (Or is he talking about Chicagoans visiting New York?)

I'm pretty sure there are lots of Levys and Levis in New York, but I don't think that's what is meant!