Sheet Music, 1910-1919
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ISBN
MUM00682, 0149
Description
Cover: drawing of well-dressed African Americans dancing to a banjo player; background scene of a steamboat; Publisher: O. E. Story (Boston)
Subject Headings (Library of Congress)
Songs -- United States -- 20th Century; Popular Music -- United States
Relational Format
music score
Original Format
scores
Original Collection
Sheldon Harris Collection (MUM00682), Archives and Special Collections, University of Mississippi Libraries
Finding Aid
Lyrics
Lyrics:
First verse
What's that I hear? what's that I hear? Music on the river coming near, Now I know m-m yes I know It's the steamboat whistles hear them blow Don't hold me honey cause I want to be Down on the levee when the Nancy Lee will come along hear that horn Lawdy but that's music to me.
Chorus
Oh! see them steaming along Just syncopating that horn It's simply grand Oh! happy land Better than a banjo or a big brass band When on the river they chime, That's harmony divine All the darkies start a singing When the steamboats on the Swanee whistle Rag time. Oh! see them steaming along Just syncopating that horn It's simply grand Oh! happy land Better than a banjo or a big brass band When on the river they chime, That's harmony divine All the darkies start a singing When the steamboats on the Swanee whistle Rag time.
Second verse
Oh let me pray hear what I say Lay me by the river Judgement day, Place me near so I can hear That old steamboat whistle I love dear, Then I'll be happy cause when I'm alone Down near the Swanee my old Southern home I'll hear that horn night and morn From this place oh! don't let me roam.
(Chorus)
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Some of the images and language that appear in the digital collections depict prejudices that are not condoned by the University of Mississippi. This content is being presented as historical documentation to aid in the understanding of both American history and the history of the University of Mississippi. The University Creed speaks to our current deeply held values, and the availability of this content should not be taken as an endorsement of previous attitudes or behavior.