[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a comic 1860 minstrel song sung by a homesick southerner
words and music by Daniel Decatur Emmett
arranged by W. L. Hobbs
Written for the blackface minstrel show. It consists of bits of silliness in an exaggerated African-American style of English. So famous it has its own research literature. Traditionally played at a slower tempo. In 2/4 allegro it is suitable for dancing or marching. It has been used as an anthem of the U.S. Confederacy. It is now part of southern culture and heritage.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. I wish I was in de land ob cotton
Old times dar am not forgotten
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
In Dixie Land whar I was born in
Early on one frosty mornin’
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
Chorus
Den I wish I was in Dixie, hooray, hooray
In Dixie Land, I’ll took my stand, to live and die in Dixie
Away, away, away down south in Dixie
Away, away, away down south in Dixie
2. Old Missus marry “Will-de-weaber”
William was a gay deceaber
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
But when he put his arm around ‘er
He smiled as fierce as a ‘forty-pounder
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
3. His face ws sharp as a butcher’s cleaber
But dat did not seem to greab’er
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
Old Missus acted de foolish part
And died for a man dat broke her heart
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
4. Now here’s a health to the next old Missus
An all de galls dat want to kiss us
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
But if you want to drive ‘way sorrow
Come an hear dis song tomorrow
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
5. Dar’s buckwheat cakes and ‘Ingen’ batter
Makes you fat or a little fatter
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
Den hoe it down and scratch your grabble
Yo Dixie Land I’m bound to trabble
Look away, look away, look away, Dixie Land
Sung here by Fred Feild: