I had a big surprise today
While I was watching a photo play,
I even saw my dear old home town
Down in Dixieland, oh
It was grand,
Just to sit right there, and gaze
At the scenes of bygone days,
Made me yearn to return to the land and people,
I will love always,
I even saw the same old school,
Where I learned the golden rule.

Down where the Swanee River
Flows I want to be there
Down where the cotton blossom grows,
I want to see there,
My little sister Flo', keepin' time with Uncle Joe,
Singing a song and raggin' on his old banjo
I see my, my dear old mother
Oh, Lordy, Lordy, Lordy,
How I love her,
When the birds are singing in the wildwood
My happy childhood
That comes back once more
My heart is sore, that's why
I wanna be where they care for me
Every night they say a little prayer for me
Down where the Swanee River flows.

Down where the Swanee River
Flows I want to be there
Down where the cotton blossom grows,
I want to see there,
My little sister Flo', keepin' time with Uncle Joe,
Singing a song and raggin' on his old banjo
I see my dear old mother
Oh, Lordy, Lordy, Lordy,
How I love her,
When the birds are singing in the wildwood
My happy childhood
That comes back once more
My heart is sore, that's why
I wanna be where they care for me
Every night they say a little prayer for me
Down where the Swanee River flows.