[Verse 1] 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 up and down the whole creation, sadly I roam, Still longing for the old plantation, and for the old folks at home. [Chorus 1] All the world is sad and dreary, everywhere I roam; Oh, brothers, how my heart grows weary, far from the old folks at home. [Bass slap response - 2 bars] [Verse 2] All round the little farm I wandered, when I was young, Then many happy days I squandered, 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. [Chorus 2 - Soft & Breezy] All the world is sad and dreary, everywhere I roam; Oh, brothers, how my heart grows weary, far from the old folks at home. [Verse 3] One little hut among the bushes, one that I love, Still sadly to my memory rushes, no matter where I rove. When will I see the bees a-humming, all round the comb? When will I hear the banjo thrumming, down in my good old home? [Chorus 3 - Grand Finale] All the world is sad and dreary, everywhere I roam; Oh, brothers, how my heart grows weary, far from the old folks at home. Yes, far from the old folks at home... [Voice hits an effortless high note and holds it] [Outro] [Vocal fade: "Way down... way down upon the river..."]
