Way down upon the Swanee River, 
Far, far away, 
There's where my heart is turning ever, 
There's where the old folks stay. 
Chorus 
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. 
Chorus 
All 'round the little farm I wandered 
When I was young, 
Than many happy days I squander'd, 
Many the songs I sung. 
Chorus 
When I was playing with my brother, 
Happy was I, 
Oh, take me to my kind old mother, 
There let me live and die. 
Chorus 
One little hut among the bushes, 
One that I love, 
Still sadly to my mem'ry rushes, 
No matter where I rove. 
Chorus 
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? 
Chorus