Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
A Sleepy Time Down South
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong 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
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
"A Sleepy Time Down South" is a nostalgic and sentimental song that captures the essence of the Southern United States. The lyrics describe a peaceful and serene scene where the pale moonlight shines on the fields, and people are singing soft and low songs. The singer states that they don't need to be told because they already know that it's sleepy time down south. It suggests that the South is a place where time slows down, and people can relax and unwind.
The song also touches on the natural beauty of the South, mentioning the soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees. It portrays a simple and carefree life led by the folks living down there. The reference to "old mammy" falling on her knees suggests a prayer or a moment of reverence, further emphasizing the spiritual and cultural aspects of the South.
The lyrics also mention steamboats on the river, banjos ringing, and people singing and dancing until the break of day. This highlights the joyous and lively nature of Southern music and the vibrant energy that can be found in the region.
Overall, "A Sleepy Time Down South" celebrates the Southern culture, representing it as a place of tranquility, musical expression, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging.
Line by Line Meaning
Now the pale moon's shining on the fields below
In the calm night, the moon illuminates the fields beneath it.
The folks are crooning songs soft and low
The people are singing gentle and soothing songs.
You needn't tell me, boy, because I know
There is no need to explain to me, as I already understand.
When it's sleepy time down south
During the tranquil moments in the southern region.
Soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees
Gentle breeze swaying through the pine trees.
The folks down there live a life of ease
The people in that area lead uncomplicated lives.
When old mammy falls on her knees
When the elderly caretaker humbly kneels in prayer.
When it's sleepy time down south
During the serene moments in the southern region.
Steamboats on the river a-coming, a-going
Steam-powered boats arriving and departing on the river.
Splashing the night away
Creating splashes as they sail through the night.
You hear those banjos ringing, all the people all singing
The sound of banjos playing and everyone joyfully singing along.
They dance 'til the break of day, oh
They dance energetically until the beginning of the next day.
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
Fondly referring to the Southern region known for its enchanting music.
Take me back where I belong
Let me return to where I feel most comfortable.
Right here in my mammy's arms
In the loving embrace of my mother.
When it's sleepy time down south
During the peaceful moments in the southern region.
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
Fondly referring to the Southern region known for its enchanting music.
Take me back where I belong
Let me return to where I feel most comfortable.
Right here in my mammy's arms
In the loving embrace of my mother.
When it's sleepy time, sleepy time, down south
During the tranquil moments, specifically, when it's time to rest, in the southern region.
Yes, Lord
Expressing agreement or affirmation.
Lyrics © OTIS RENE PUBLICATIONS, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Clarence Muse, Leon Rene, Otis Rene
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@johnemerick5860
Now the pale moon's shining, on the fields below
Dark folks crooning songs soft and low
You needn't tell me, boy, because I know
When It's sleepy time down south
The soft winds blowing through the pinewood trees
Folks down there live a life of ease
When old mammy falls on her knees
When It's sleepy time down south.
Oh, steamboats up the river coming, going
Splashing the night away
hear those banjos ringing, dark folks are singing
And they dance 'til the break of day
Dear old southland with his dreamy song
Take me back where I belong
Right in my mammy's arms
When it's sleepy time down south
@Wolfhoundersful
Pale moon shining on the fields below
Folks are crooning songs soft and low
Needn't tell me so because I know
It's sleepy time down south
Soft winds blowing through the pinewood trees
Folks down there like a life of ease
When old mammy falls upon her knees
It's sleepy time down south
Steamboats on the river a coming or a going
Splashing the night away
Hear those banjos ringing, the people are singing
They dance til the break of day, hey
[2x:]
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
Takes me back there where I belong
How I'd love to be in my mammy's arms
When it's sleepy time way down south
Sleepy time down south
@Robbie521000
I had a Great Uncle that passed in 2019 at the age of 96. He was born in Luray S.C. and when he would get a leave of absence while in the Navy, all the Black Servicemen would have to get off the train just before it arrived in Charleston and walk home. He moved to Philly in 1953. I spent a lot of time with and around him as I grew up. He loved and played a lot of Louis Armstrong's music, but this was his favorite. He often spoke of his life in the South during segregation, but he would always laugh at the mistreatment. He was a sharp dressed gentlemen and had a full life smile. When I was 46 he said, "Robbie, make sure they play When It's Seepy Time Down South at my new beginning". I had this piece played at his Homegoing; he would have laughed. O'Yea.
@timothylewis2450
Thanks for sharing. ❤️
@wolfgang4697
Thank you for this, God rest your Grand Uncle
@andrewr.2114
So sorry sir for your loss
@markkleindorf9185
I'm in New Orleans now playing it to my dad on his 92nd birthday..hot..
@Robbie521000
@@markkleindorf9185 Blessing to your Dad Brother. It's a beautiful piece and special to a lot of people.
@tonycampanelli4938
I said once you could say again we will never see a man like Louis Armstrong ever again.
@user-rj5ld7jh7n
Beautiful song thanks louis
@jrb1802uk
My dad passed away in January. He loved Trad Jazz, Louis Armstrong was his favourite. We played 'We have all time time in the World' at his funeral. I miss him so much . I grew up listening to Louis, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and love this Genre also.
@Jazztpt
The way Louis plays the trumpet, absolutely timeless and unique.