Guy Lombardo (June 19, 1902 – November 5, 1977) was an American bandleader.… Read Full Bio ↴Guy Lombardo (June 19, 1902 – November 5, 1977) was an American bandleader. Lombardo was born in London, Ontario.

Lombardo formed The Royal Canadians in 1924 with his brothers Carmen Lombardo, Lebert Lombardo, and Victor Lombardo and other musicians from his hometown. Lombardo led the group to international success, billing themselves as creating "The Sweetest Music This Side of Heaven." The Lombardos are believed to have sold between 100 and 300 million phonograph records during their lifetimes.

Bye Bye Baby
Guy Lombardo Lyrics

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Rock-a-bye your baby with a Dixie melody.
When you croon, croon a tune from the heart of Dixie.
Just place my cradle, mammy mine,
Right on the Mason Dixon line,
And swing it from Virginia
To Tennessee with all the love that's in ya.

Weep no more, my lady.

Sing that song again for me.
Soft and low, just as though
You had me on your knee.

A million baby kisses I'd deliver,

If you would only sing that Swanee River.
Rock-a-bye your rock-a-bye baby with a Dixie melody

Overall Meaning

This song "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby With a Dixie Melody" by Guy Lombardo Al Jolson dates back to the early 20th century and is still an all-time classic. The song begins with the singer's soothing voice urging the listeners to rock their babies with a Dixie Melody. "When you croon, croon a tune from the heart of Dixie," the singer continues with a suggestion on the kind of songs to sing while rocking the baby.

The lyrics then take a more heartfelt approach as the singer imagines being held and rocked by his mother. The choice of words like "mammy mine" and "Swanee River" adds a nostalgic feel to the song. The singer then asks his mother to sing that song again for him as the song brings out memories and feelings that he cherishes. The song ends with the singer again urging the listeners to rock their babies, this time with a Dixie Melody.

Line by Line Meaning

Rock-a-bye your baby with a Dixie melody.
Sing your baby a lullaby with a melody from the American South.

When you croon, croon a tune from the heart of Dixie.
If you sing to your baby, do it with a song from the American South.

Just place my cradle, mammy mine,
Mother, put my cradle in a specific place.

Right on the Mason Dixon line,
Put my cradle on the border between two historical American regions.

And swing it from Virginia
Rock the cradle back and forth while it is in Virginia.

To Tennessee with all the love that's in ya.
Continue to rock the cradle all the way to Tennessee, showing your love through the movement.

Weep no more, my lady.
Don't cry any longer, my dear woman.

Sing that song again for me.
Please sing that particular song to me once more.

Soft and low, just as though
Sing in a gentle, quiet manner.

You had me on your knee.
Make me feel like I am being cradled in your arms.

A million baby kisses I'd deliver,
I would give you an abundance of kisses if you would sing to me.