[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
From the 1912 Ziegfeld Follies
Words by Joe Young.
Music by Conrad & Whidden.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Hear that whistle a-blowing
Now I know that we’re going
We’ve just started, yes, we’ve departed
Why, we’re leaving the pier
I say, we’re steaming from New York Bay
That’s why I feel so gay
If we get there on time
I’ll be mighty happy
If we’re not there on time
Why, I’ll feel mighty bad
‘Cause we’ll sure have sometime
‘Way down in Lou’siana
Here’s what makes them all feel glad
Chorus
Dancing in the moonlight on a bright night
A summer’s night in June
Where darkies all are hummin’ and strummin’
Banjos to that Dixie tune and soon
You’ll find them dancing and prancing
‘Round the bales of cotton
In the ev’ning by the moonlight
Down in dear old New Orleans
- Hear that whistle a-blowing
See the ropes they are throwing
We’ve just landed, yes, we’ve just landed
Now we’ll take in the sights
Oh gee! I’m sure, honey
You’ll agree there’s lots of things to see
Turn your head to the left
There’s the Mississippi
Turn your head to the right
The Levee you will see
Now we’ll jump in a cab
And drive around the city
To a place where we can see