When It's Sleepy Time Down South
Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra/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
The lyrics to the song When It's Sleepy Time Down South by Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra featuring Louis Armstrong describe the calm and soothing atmosphere of the southern region of the United States at nighttime. As the pale moon shines on the fields below, people are singing soft songs and crooning them in a mellow tune. The singer goes on further to express that he doesn't need anyone to tell him what time it is because he knows that it's sleepy time down south.
The lyrics go on to describe the soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees while people down there are living a stress-free and laid-back life of ease. The singer mentions that when old mammy falls on her knees, it's a signal for everyone that it's sleepy time down south. Steamboats on the river are coming and going while the banjos are ringing and people are singing, dancing until the break of day, creating a joyful atmosphere. The singer finally expresses his longing for the dear old southland with his dreamy songs, wanting to be back where he belongs, right in his mammy's arms when it's sleepy time down south.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of peace and tranquility, expressing the laid-back culture of the southern region of the United States. The lyrics describe a world far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reminding us of the simple pleasures of spending time with family and friends, enjoying music, and living life at a slower pace.
Line by Line Meaning
Now the pale moon's shining on the fields below
The moon is shining on the fields below, indicating the time of the evening.
The folks are crooning songs soft and low
The people are singing quiet and gentle songs.
You needn't tell me, boy, because I know
I don't need an explanation because I am familiar with this scene.
When it's sleepy time down south
This is the time of night when everyone is winding down in the south.
Soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees
A gentle breeze is blowing through the trees made of pine wood.
The folks down there live a life of ease
People who live down here live a simple and relaxed life.
When old mammy falls on her knees
When the old nanny gets down on her knees to pray.
When it's sleepy time down south
This is the time of night when everyone is winding down in the south.
Steamboats on the river a-coming, a-going
Boats are traveling up and down the river.
Splashing the night away
They are creating a watery splashing sound as they travel.
You hear those banjos ringing, all the people all singing
You can hear the sound of the banjos playing and people joining in and singing along.
They dance 'til the break of day, oh
The dancing goes on all night until the morning light shines through.
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
The southern region is known for its soulful and relaxing music.
Take me back where I belong
I long to return to the place where I feel at home.
Right here in my mammy's arms
I want to be held by my beloved nanny in my childhood home.
When it's sleepy time down south
This is the time of night when everyone is winding down in the south.
Dear old southland with his dreamy songs
The southern region is known for its soulful and relaxing music.
Take me back where I belong
I long to return to the place where I feel at home.
Right here in my mammy's arms
I want to be held by my beloved nanny in my childhood home.
When it's sleepy time, sleepy time, down south
This is the time of night when everyone is winding down in the south.
Yes, Lord
A heartfelt expression of agreement.
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