Way down upon the Swanee River,
Far, far away.
That's where my heart is turning ever.
That's where the old folks stay.
All up and down the whole creation,
Sadly I roam,
Still longing for the old plantation,
And for the old folks at home.

All the world is sad and dreary,
Everywhere I roam,
Oh! Lordy, how my heart grows weary,
Far from the old folks at home.

All 'round the little farm I wandered
When I was young,
Then many happy days I squandered,
Many a song 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.

All the world is sad and dreary,
Everywhere I roam,
Oh! Lordy, how my heart grows weary,
Far from the old folks at home.

One little hut among the bushes,
One that I love,
Still sadly to my mem'ry rushes,
No matter where I rove.
When will I see the bees a-humming'
All around the comb?
When will I hear the banjo strummin'
Down in my good old home?

All the world is sad and dreary,
Everywhere I roam,
Oh, Lordy, how my heart grows weary,
Far from the old folks at home.