Deep in the Heart of the South
Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics


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Oh, cover me with Dixie skies
While the wind is crooning lullabies
Tuck me into paradise
Somewhere deep in the heart of the south

Yellow moon is hangin' low
Over fields of cotton white as snow
My heart longs to turn in hope
Somewhere deep in the heart of the south

Laughter fills the afternoon, and every evening
Lovers linger on the Swanee shore
I can see magnolias bloom around a cabin door
And that's where I'm goin', sure as you're born

I'm a weary rollin' stone
Made my mind up and I'm rollin' home
Come on, feet, and start to roam
Somewhere deep in the heart of the south

Laughter fills the afternoon, and every evening
Lovers linger on the Swanee shore
I can see magnolias bloom around a cabin door
And that's where I'm goin', sure as you're born

I'm a weary rollin' stone
Made my mind up and I'm rollin' home
Come on, feet, and start to roam
Somewhere deep in the heart of the south

Say come on, feet, and do your stuff




The way is long and the road is rough
Somewhere deep in the heart of the south

Overall Meaning

The song "Deep In The Heart Of The South" by Ella Fitzgerald & Her Savoy Eight is a love letter to the southern United States. The song begins with the singer asking to be covered with "Dixie skies," referring to the famous Confederate flag that has become heavily associated with southern culture. The singer then longs to be tucked into paradise somewhere deep in the heart of the south, with a yellow moon hanging low over fields of cotton white as snow. The imagery of the cotton fields is especially significant, as cotton was a major crop in the south and played a central role in the slave trade that was once so prevalent in the region.


The singer goes on to describe the afternoon and evening as being filled with laughter, and lovers lingering on the Swanee shore. The Swanee River is a major river in the southeastern United States and flows through the heart of the south. The singer can see magnolias bloom around a cabin door, which is a reference to the iconic southern architecture seen in many rural areas. The singer then resolves to journey back home, as they are a "weary rolling stone" who has made up their mind to return to the heart of the south. The song ends with an exhortation to the feet to "do your stuff" and continue the journey deep into the south.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, cover me with Dixie skies
I desire to be draped in the warm, blue skies of Dixie, as they bring comfort and peace to my soul.


While the wind is crooning lullabies
As the wind gently blows, it sings sweet, soothing songs that put me into a state of rest and relaxation.


Tuck me into paradise
I yearn to be wrapped in the blissful beauty of paradise, where everything is perfect and idyllic.


Somewhere deep in the heart of the south
This paradise I seek is located within the southern region of the United States, where the culture and lifestyle resonate with my soul.


Yellow moon is hangin' low
The moon shines brightly, casting a warm glow on the surrounding landscape that sets the perfect mood for adventure.


Over fields of cotton white as snow
The fields are adorned with cotton, which is as white as snow, creating a beautiful and peaceful ambiance.


My heart longs to turn in hope
My heart yearns for a fresh start, filled with hope and new beginnings.


Laughter fills the afternoon, and every evening
Every moment in this beautiful southern paradise is filled with joy and happiness.


Lovers linger on the Swanee shore
The lovers in this paradise are able to spend endless time together on the beautiful shores of the Swanee River.


I can see magnolias bloom around a cabin door
As I envision this beautiful paradise, I can imagine seeing the magnolias blooming gracefully by the doorstep of a southern cabin.


And that's where I'm goin', sure as you're born
I am determined and sure that this southern paradise is where I will find my ultimate happiness and contentment.


I'm a weary rollin' stone
I have been wandering aimlessly, feeling lost and unfocused in my life.


Made my mind up and I'm rollin' home
I have finally found my purpose, and I am now heading home to this beautiful paradise in the south.


Come on, feet, and start to roam
I am filled with excitement and anticipation as I use my feet to take me on this incredible journey.


Say come on, feet, and do your stuff
I am encouraging my feet to take me on this journey, to discover new things and explore what this southern paradise has to offer.


The way is long and the road is rough
I know that this journey will not be easy, and that I will face many challenges along the way.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., CARLIN AMERICA INC
Written by: JACK LAWRENCE, PETER TINTURIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

bobdal1946

Great song. Ella liked Conni Boswell. Good.

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