Lyrics:
First verse
What's that I hear? what's that I hear? Music on the river coming near, Now I know m-m yes I know It's the steamboat whistles hear them blow Don't hold me honey ‘cause I want to be Down on the levee when the Nancy Lee will come along hear that horn Lawdy but that's music to me.
Chorus
Oh! see them steaming along Just syncopating that horn It's simply grand Oh! happy land Better than a banjo or a big brass band When on the river they chime, That's harmony divine All the darkies start a singing When the steamboats on the Swanee whistle Rag time. Oh! see them steaming along Just syncopating that horn It's simply grand Oh! happy land Better than a banjo or a big brass band When on the river they chime, That's harmony divine All the darkies start a singing When the steamboats on the Swanee whistle Rag time.
Second verse
Oh let me pray hear what I say Lay me by the river Judgement day, Place me near so I can hear That old steamboat whistle I love dear, Then I’ll be happy ‘cause when I’m alone Down near the Swanee my old Southern home I’ll hear that horn night and morn From this place oh! don’t let me roam.
(Chorus)
Sheldon Harris Collection
