Down south, the banjos cry to
Deep blues the darkies "Hidey-hi" to,
While moonbeams dance on the bayou,
That's how rhythm was born!

They praise the Mighty Forgiver,
They wash their sins in the river,
Cold water makes 'em all shiver,
That's how rhythm was born!

Folks came down to gather around
That Swanee shore,
Caught the craze and sang His praise,
Cried, "Why don't you give us some more?".

Down south, the banjos cry to
Deep blues the darkies "Hidey-hi" to,
While moonbeams dance on the bayou,
That's how rhythm was born!

Oh, down south, the banjos cry to
Deep blues the darkies "Hidey-hi" to,
While moonbeams dance on the bayou,
That's just how rhythm was born!

They praise the Mighty Forgiver,
They wash their sins in the river,
Cold water always makes 'em all shiver
And that's how rhythm was born!

Folks came down to gather round
That old Swanee shore,
Caught the craze and sang His praise,
And cried, [bad word] on, give us some more!".

You can ask anyone, sir,
They'll answer, "We'll be over yonder!".
(scat)
That's how rhythm was born!

Banjos cry to,
Darkies "Hidey-hi" to,
Dance on the bayou,
That's just the reason that rhythm was born!

Praise their Forgiver,
Wash the sins in the river,
Water makes 'em all shiver,
And that's just the reason that rhythm was born!

Ask anyone, sir,
They'll be glad to answer you sir,
They'll answer, "We'll be over yonder!",
That's how rhythm was born.