Opening
Louis Armstrong And His Band Lyrics

"When It's Sleepy Time Down South" by Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra is a song about being homesick and feeling isolated in a big city. The lyrics are melancholic as the singer expresses his longing to go back to the South, where he believes he belongs. The mention of the Old Southland with its dreamy songs is a reflection of the nostalgia and romanticization of the past that many people experience when they are homesick. The singer goes on to express his desire to be in his mother's arms, indicating that he is yearning for the comfort and safety of home. The use of the phrase "when it's sleepy time" further emphasizes the peaceful and serene nature of the South that he is yearning for.

The lyrics of this song were written by Leon Rene, while the music was composed by Otis Rene and Clarence Muse. The song was originally written for the film "Under a Texas Moon" in 1930, but it was made popular by Louis Armstrong in 1931. The song became one of Armstrong's most loved pieces and is often considered his signature song. The song became a staple of Armstrong's performances, and he would often use it as a closing number for his shows. "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" was also used as a theme song for Armstrong's radio broadcasts in the 1930s.