Way down upon the Swanee River far, far away
There's where my heart is turning ever
There's where the old folks stay

All the world is sad and dreary
Ev'ry where I roam
Oh, darkies how my heart grows weary
Far from the old folks at home
All up and down the whole creation
Sadly I roam
Still longing for the old plantation
And for the folks at home

All 'round the little farm I wandered
When I was young
Than many happy days I squander'd
Many the songs I sung

When I was playing with my brother
Happy was I
Oh, take me to my kind old mother
There let me live and die

One little hut among the bushes
One that I love
Still sadly to my mem'ry rushes
No matter where I rove

When shall I see the bees a humming
All round the comb?
When shall I hear the banjo strumming
Down in my good old home?