Down in Tennessee, a song from 1921.
words by Harry Pease and Johnny White
music by Ira Schuster and Ed. G. Nelson
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Halcyon Days Music:
Lyrics
1. I met a pal from Tennessee
And with a smile he greeted me
For he was feeling happy, mighty snappy
Jumping up and down with glee
He got good news from home today
And that’s the reason he felt gay
I thought it was simply great, just had to congratulate
When I heard him say
Chorus
“I’ve got ten little fingers, and ten little toes
Down in Tennessee, waiting there for me
I never had a baby call me “Da-da”
How proud I know I’ll be, when I hear it calling me
Oh gee! I’ll kiss every finger, I’ll kiss every toe
At home sweet home I’ll linger for they’ll need me there I know
Although it only weighs ten pounds and just one day old
I wouldn’t give it up for all the world and it’s gold
For I’ve got ten little fingers, and ten little toes
Waiting down in Tennessee for me.
2. He said “I’m leaving town today
I hope and pray there’s no delay
I’m going to get my ticket, double quick it
Not a thing could make me stay
I long to see my little prize
And look in those baby eyes
Just try to imagine me, back home in Tennessee
Oh, what paradise
Chorus
“I’ve got ten little fingers, and ten little toes
Down in Tennessee, waiting there for me
Oh, how I’ll hold it, in my arms enfold it
When night time shadows creep, I will lull it fast asleep
And then I’ll count every finger, I’ll count every toe
Close to his side I’ll linger for he’ll want me there I know
If he looks like his mother what a child he must be
But if he looks like me then he’s got my sympathy
For I’ve got ten little fingers and ten little toes
Waiting down in Tennessee for me
Sung here by Fred Feild: