[Verse:]
What care I who makes the laws of a nation
Let those who will take care of its rights and wrongs
What care I who cares for the world's affairs
As long as I can sing its popular songs

[Refrain:]
Let me sing a funny song
With crazy words that roll along
And if my song can start you laughing
I'm happy, happy

Let me sing a sad refrain
Of broken hearts who love in vain
And if my song can start you crying
I'm happy

Let me croon a lowdown blues
That lifts you out of your seat
If my blues can reach your shoes
And start you tapping your feet
I'm happy

Let me sing of Dixie's charms
Of cotton fields and mammy's arms
And if my song can make you homesick
I'm happy

[Various alternate lines:]

Of broken hearts that loved in vain

To lift you out of your seat
If my song can reach your shoes

The Swanee shore and mother's arms