[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
a 1917 popular song
words by William Le Baron
music by Victor Herbert
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Down in the south you hear the darkies sing
On nights in spring
Songs with a smile, a tear
They bring to me a memory
There in the Southland sorrows all depart
Hear them and you will quickly understand
Melodies come from the heart
Refrain
I like to hear a real American song
Down in the South by banjos played
It has a swing that sweeps you along
It’s a wonderful ragtime serenade
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Sung here by Fred Feild: