... Throughout the 1950s, Laine enjoyed a second career singing the title songs of Hollywood films and television shows, including: Gunfight At OK Corral, 3:10 To Yuma, Bullwhip, and Rawhide. His rendition of the title song for Mel Brooks' 1974 movie Blazing Saddles won an Oscar nomination for Best Song, and his recording of "Rawhide" for the television series of the same name has become a classic of the genre.
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Frankie Laine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why should ev'rybody pity me,
Nighttime's falling, folks are a singin',
they dance till break of day
Dear Old Southland with it's dreamy songs
Takes me back there where I belong
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Frankie Laine's song When It's Sleepy Time Down South perfectly captures the emotions of homesickness, tiredness and loneliness in a big city. The singer laments about his situation and wonders why people should pity him. As the night falls, he hears people singing and dancing, but he longs to be back in the South where he belongs. He mentions the dreamy songs that remind him of his homeland and how he would love to be in his "mammy's" arms.
The lyrics of the song are a reflection of the longing and nostalgia that many people feel when they are far away from home. The Southland, with its rich cultural heritage, has always held a special place in the hearts of people who are from that region. Frankie Laine perfectly captures this sentiment in his song. The repetition of the phrase "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" in the chorus emphasizes the theme of longing for home and a simpler way of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Homesick tired All alone in a big city
Feeling exhausted and longing for home while being isolated in a bustling urban area
Why should ev'rybody pity me
Questioning why others should feel sorry for oneself
Nighttime's falling, folks are a singin'
As night approaches, people are singing
they dance till break of day
They continue dancing until the dawn breaks
Dear Old Southland with it's dreamy songs
Fondly remembering the Southern region with its soothing melodies
Takes me back there where I belong
Feeling a strong sense of belonging to the South
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
Expressing a deep desire to be held by one's mother
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Referring to a tranquil moment in the South when everyone is asleep
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
Corrie121
This is a very fine rendition of this very fine song. A great performance indeed. Thanks for sharing.
clarence fender
Frankie just seems to know how to put a song across. Love this one!
Mark Gallagher
Your very welcome, I like the song also. In fact I think some of Frankie's best work were on recordings that were not hits. I like to hear from fans as to what they like, I've put all my favorites on already.
Simavi Uluc
Beautiful.
eddiemac303
great stuff!! thanks alot.
thestone46
GREAT VIdeo! GREAT TUNE!!! ..I signed up!
Don R
Thanks a ton for putting this one together, Mark. Maybe not one of Frankie's all-time best, but a darn good recording done in a Jolsony style. I happen to like it a lot. Good instrumental arrangement and it lets Frankie show off his vocal range.