[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1919 popular song
words and music by Harry Hamilton
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
1. Sweet mem’ries of childhood hours come back to me
When sunshine and birds and flowers blended in harmony
Then ev’ry day was filled with joy for Mammy, Daddy and me
Now when my heart is lonely, that’s why I long to be
Chorus
Down where the Swanee gently flows along
That’s where my Mammy sang a slumber song
And her voice comes back to me as o’er the world I roam
Longing for those olden days when on my Mammy’s breast
I heard the song I always loved the best
And I’m going back again to my Swanee home
2. Tho’ far from the old plantation, sadly I roam
My happiest recollection is dreaming of home sweet home
And all my dreams are coming true, I’m going back again
Back there where the dear old river is singing a sweet refrain
Sung here by Fred Feild: