When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Louis Armstrong And Gordon Jenkins And His Orchestra Lyrics
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The folks are crooning songs soft and low
You needn't tell me, boy, because I know
When it's sleepy time down south
Soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees
The folks down there live a life of ease
When old mammy falls on her knees
When it's sleepy time down south
Steamboats on the river a-coming, a-going
Splashing the night away
You hear those banjos ringing, all the people all singing
They dance 'til the break of day, oh
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
Take me back where I belong
Right here in my mammy's arms
When it's sleepy time down south
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
Take me back where I belong
Right here in my mammy's arms
When it's sleepy time, sleepy time, down south
Yes, Lord
The lyrics of Louis Armstrong's song When It's Sleepy Time Down South is a nostalgic ode to his southern roots. The first verse describes the peaceful ambiance of the region at night time when the moon is shining on the fields and the folks are singing soft and low songs. Armstrong has an emotional connection with the place and knows that it's sleepy time down south.
In the second verse, he paints a beautiful picture of the pinewood trees and the simple life of the folks. Armstrong mentions old mammy falling on her knees, which represents the religious practices and traditions of the southern black community. The verse ends with the title being repeated, emphasizing the sleepy nature of the community.
The third verse brings in the symbol of the steamboats on the river and banjos being played, adding to the joyful atmosphere of the southern nights. Armstrong wants to go back to his roots and be in the comfort of his mammy's arms, ending with "Yes, Lord" acknowledging his religious upbringing.
Overall, the lyrics of When It's Sleepy Time Down South showcases the peaceful and beautiful nature of southern life and the emotional connection Armstrong has with his hometown.
Line by Line Meaning
Now the pale moon's shining on the fields below
The moon is shining on the fields below.
The folks are crooning songs soft and low
The people are softly singing songs.
You needn't tell me, boy, because I know
I already know, no need to tell me.
When it's sleepy time down south
When it's late at night in the Southern regions.
Soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees
The gentle wind is blowing through the pine trees.
The folks down there live a life of ease
The people there have a comfortable and peaceful lifestyle.
When old mammy falls on her knees
When the old woman kneels.
When it's sleepy time down south
When it's late at night in the Southern regions.
Steamboats on the river a-coming, a-going
Boats are coming and going on the river.
Splashing the night away
Making noise and causing splashes during the night.
You hear those banjos ringing, all the people all singing
You can hear banjos and people singing.
They dance 'til the break of day, oh
They dance until dawn.
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
The Southern region with its soothing music.
Take me back where I belong
Bring me back to where I should be.
Right here in my mammy's arms
Right here with my mother.
When it's sleepy time down south
When it's late at night in the Southern regions.
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
The Southern region with its soothing music.
Take me back where I belong
Bring me back to where I should be.
Right here in my mammy's arms
Right here with my mother.
When it's sleepy time, sleepy time, down south
When it's late at night in the Southern regions.
Yes, Lord
Yes, Lord.
Lyrics © OTIS RENE PUBLICATIONS, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Clarence Muse, Leon Rene, Otis Rene
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind