[Intro: Fingerpicked guitar, then banjo rolls] [Verse 1] I got a gal in Carolina, she can pick a five-string clean, Got a gal down in Carolina, picks the cleanest five-string ever seen, She can roll 'em out like honey from the hills to New Orleans. [Verse 2] She keeps her thumb upon the low string, walkin' steady as a clock, Keeps her thumb down on the low string, steady as a mantel clock, While her fingers do the dancin', Lord, they make that front porch rock. [Chorus: Trio harmony] Sweet magnolia, play that rag for me, Sweet magnolia, play that rag for me, From the Blue Ridge to the Georgia line, there's nobody plays like she. [Instrumental Break: Mandolin solo] [Instrumental Break: Fingerpicked guitar solo] [Bridge: Stop-time] Now her mama said, "Young fellow, what you bring besides that grin?" I said, "Ma'am, a G-run and a dollar, and a heart that's wearin' thin." She said, "Fiddle's in the parlor, go and tune it if you can, 'Cause there ain't no use in courtin' if you can't keep up the band." [Verse 3] Well, we married in the springtime when the dogwood was in bloom, Yes, we married in the springtime, all that dogwood in full bloom, Now on higher ground two guitars ring, and a cradle's in the room. [Final Chorus: Trio harmony] Sweet magnolia, play that rag for me, Sweet magnolia, play that rag for me, From the Blue Ridge to the Georgia line, there's nobody plays like she. [Outro: Ragtime tag, slowing] There's nobody plays like she... Nobody plays like she... [End]
