Way down in the heart of Dixie
Just outside the "magic city"
I lived a childhood dream
Singin' songs in harmony
While Dora Lee would tickle the ivory
Sounded so sweet

Down in Shady Grove they do believe
You can go away but you never leave

Chorus
The days of Birmingham
They go with me where'er I am
And as I keep on chasing the sun
I end right back where I come from
The days of Birmingham

Everyone loved Esie Mae
A pot of butterbeans and cornbread
Kept the children fed
I thought that I would always stay
But I fell for a girl who dreamed of Californ - I - A
So we moved out to L.A.

Down in Shady Grove they do believe
You can go away but you never leave

Chorus
The days of Birmingham
They go with me where'er I am
And as I keep on chasing the sun
I end right back where I come from
The days of Birmingham

Fishin' poles made out of sticks
And baby dolls that were made out of bricks
And pine pole slides for kicks
Play some bar on a Saturday night
And Sunday morning sing for Jesus Christ
He is a friend of mine
What a friend we have in Jesus
Yes he is a friend of mine