From New Orleans, they were classically trained and switched over to jazz as they grew up along with the form. First recorded in 1925, they went on to play vaudeville and ended up on radio in California. After being heard coast to coast on one of the first nationwide radio hookups, they became stars of radio in NYC headlining both their own programs, as well as working on shows with Bing Crosby and The Mills Brothers until the trio disbanded in 1936, mainly due to their marriages. They also appeared in many films of the time. (See youtube)
Connie Boswell, who later changed the spelling of her name to Connee, continued as a solo singer after the demise of the group, influencing singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra. She did all this despite being unable to walk alone due to childhood polio and other back injuries.
"There is only one person I ever tried to sing like and that person was Connee Boswell."
Ella Fitzgerald, NBC News interview
"Connee Boswell is, without a doubt, the most widely imitated singer of all time."
Frank Sinatra
The best website on them is www.bozzies.com.
www.TheBoswellSisters.com
www.Facebook.com/theboswellsisters
www.Twitter.com/thesistasdotcom
Got the South in My Soul
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And the moon starts to roam,
What is this thing that keeps callin'?
It's the south in my soul!
How I long for that delta,
It's my home, it's my goal!
Oughta be safe in its shelter,
Too long I've lingered in the darkness,
No matter what I won;
I wanna say goodbye to darkness,
Spend all my days in the sun!
Let me laugh there on that levee,
And let me burn black as coal!
I know my heart won't be so heavy,
With the south, south in my soul!
The Boswell Sisters' Got the South in My Soul is a song that talks about the deep connection to the south that one experiences. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and desire for the south, no matter where one goes. The first two lines introduce the setting, with the dark night falling and the moon wandering. The subsequent lines suggest a call from the south, a yearning for the homeland that is felt deep inside.
The second stanza elaborates on this yearning, with the singer expressing a desire to return to the Mississippi Delta. The delta is portrayed as a home, a safe haven where the singer can find peace and protection. The refrain, "I've got the south in my soul," reinforces the idea that no matter where the singer goes, the south will always be a part of them.
In the final verse, the singer talks about leaving behind the darkness and spending their days in the sun. This metaphorical journey towards the light is juxtaposed with the imagery of burning black as coal on the levee. The final line, "I know my heart won't be so heavy with the south, south in my soul," suggests that being connected to one's roots can be a source of comfort and strength.
Overall, Got the South in My Soul speaks to the idea of home and how it shapes our identity. The song portrays the south as a place of warmth, community, and belonging, and suggests that a connection to one's roots can be a source of inspiration and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
When the dark night starts fallin',
As the dark of the night approaches,
And the moon starts to roam,
And the moonlight starts to shine,
What is this thing that keeps callin'?
What is this feeling that I can't ignore?
It's the south in my soul!
It's the love and longing for my southern home and culture!
How I long for that delta,
I yearn and crave for the delta region,
It's my home, it's my goal!
It's where my heart belongs, my ultimate destination!
Oughta be safe in its shelter,
I know I'll be protected and comforted once I get there,
Got the south in my soul!
My desire for the south is deeply ingrained in my being.
Too long I've lingered in the darkness,
I've spent too much time being unhappy and lost,
No matter what I won;
Regardless of what I've achieved or gained,
I wanna say goodbye to darkness,
I want to leave my troubles and sorrows behind,
Spend all my days in the sun!
And live the rest of my life happily and with joy!
Let me laugh there on that levee,
Allow me to experience pure joy and happiness on the levee,
And let me burn black as coal!
And let me work hard and sweat like coal miners do!
I know my heart won't be so heavy,
I believe my heart will be lifted and lightened,
With the south, south in my soul!
By embracing and being one with the southern way of life!
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: LEE WILEY, NED WASHINGTON, VICTOR YOUNG, VICTOR POPULAR YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Anthony Crnkovich
The Boswells are my favorite female vocal group of ANY era. Listening to their impeccable harmony is soothing to my soul.
Caleb Meade
I love these ladies!! So classy and unique. I LOVE their style and their Cajun accents! Cajun swing! Yes, sir!
Bunny Biedenharn
NOT 'Cajun'!!!! New Orleans Garden District: https://www.flickr.com/photos/prc-advocacy/4831116997 Near the Irish Channel. Cajuns were hours west of New Orleans. The Boswell Sisters give us a glimpse of the witty, ultra-cosmopolitan world of Early Twentieth Century New Orleans.
Honey Bee86
That Clarinet sounds so beautiful!
Robert Greenwood
Jimmy Dorsey!
everybodylovesmybaby
Great song, great recording. What a voice Connee had!
Redcoat‘s Renaissance
The spectacular, sparkling, seductive, saintly, singing, sisters of the south! I love them all🥰
Bobby Roy
MY LORD! They Are Beautiful! Angels From Heaven!
roybo1930
The Bozzies were the only Singers who Music Composers would allow Liberties with the Melody`s without issues or gripes!, Because what they were doing at that time was so unique!
roybo1930
I`m Very Blessed To Have This Beautiful Brunswick Record In My Collection. Love Your AWSOME Vedieo. Thanks For Posting.