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
When It's Sleepy Time Down South
The Boswell Sisters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Come and join us in the chorus
Sing along one and all
With the little bouncing ball
Now if you like the songs about the land of cotton
This one will not be forgotten
Sing it loud, sing it low
Sing "sleepy time down south"
Pale moon's shining on the the fields below
Darkies crooning soft and low
You needn't tell me, honey, cause I know
It's sleepy time down south
Soft winds blowing through the pinewood trees
Folks down there live a life of ease
When old mammy falls up on her knees
It's sleepy time down south
Steamboats on the river comin' and goin'
Splashing the night away
Hear those banjos ringin', darkies a-singin'
They dance 'til break of day, oh
Dear old southland with her dreamy song
Take me there where I belong
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
When it's sleepy time down south
Pale moon's shining on the fields below
Darkies croonin' soft and low
You needn't tell me, honey, cause I know
It's sleepy time down south
Soft winds blowing through the pinewood trees
Folks down there live a life of ease
When old mammy falls up on her knees
It's sleepy time down south
Steamboats on the river comin' a-goin'
Splashing the night away, oh
Hear those banjos ringin', darkies a-singin'
They dance 'til break of day
Dear old southland with her dreamy song
Take me there where I belong
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
When it's sleepy time down south
The Boswell Sisters' "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" is a tribute to the South, specifically the land of cotton. The song invites the listener to join in the chorus and sing along with the little bouncing ball. The upbeat tune paints a picture of life in the South in a time long gone while taking the listener on a tour of the soothing, sleepy South.
The song begins with an invitation for everyone to join in the chorus and sing along with the bouncing ball. The lyrics then take the listener on a vivid tour of the South, with a "pale moon shining" over the "fields below," where "darkies croon" gently in the night. The song conjures up images of the South's natural beauty with "soft winds blowing through the pinewood trees," and of the easy-going way of life with "folks down there livin' a life of ease."
Line by Line Meaning
How'd you like to do a little favor for us?
Would you like to join us and sing along with the chorus?
Come and join us in the chorus
Sing with us in this part of the song.
Sing along one and all
Everyone is invited to sing together.
With the little bouncing ball
Follow the lyrics with the bouncing ball as your guide.
Now if you like the songs about the land of cotton
If you enjoy songs about the southern US states and cotton.
This one will not be forgotten
This song will definitely stay in your memory.
Sing it loud, sing it low
Sing it with all your heart, either loudly or softly.
Come one friends
All friends are encouraged to come and sing together.
Sing "sleepy time down south"
Sing this familiar song about the peaceful ambiance of the southern states.
Pale moon's shining on the the fields below
The moon is shining dimly on the fields of crops underneath.
Darkies crooning soft and low
The African American folks are singing in a mellow tune.
You needn't tell me, honey, cause I know
I already know what it means without you explaining it to me.
It's sleepy time down south
It's a peaceful and cozy night in the southern states.
Soft winds blowing through the pinewood trees
The gentle wind is caressing the pine trees and creating a relaxing sound.
Folks down there live a life of ease
People in the southern states are living comfortably and stress-free.
When old mammy falls up on her knees
When an elderly woman kneels down to pray.
Steamboats on the river comin' and goin'
Steamboats are going up and down the river.
Splashing the night away
The boats are making a lot of noise in the calm night.
Hear those banjos ringin', darkies a-singin'
The sound of banjos being played while the African American folks are singing.
They dance 'til break of day, oh
They dance all night long until the sun comes up.
Dear old southland with her dreamy song
The southern states with its peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Take me there where I belong
I want to be there and experience the ambiance of the southern states.
How I'd love to be in mammy's arms
I would love to be cuddled and taken care of by my grandmother.
When it's sleepy time down south
When it's peaceful and quiet at night in the southern states.
Writer(s): Otis Rene, Leon Rene, Clarence Muse
Contributed by Aaliyah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
NYC1927
The Boswell sisters were so awesome. Also, can you imagine how fun it must have been to sing along with an entire theatre audience with everyone just laughing and singing together having a fun silly time? I wish we could do more stuff like that these days as a society. Brings folks together.
oldmovieman7
This was the song back when I was a college freshman in '06/07 which introduced me to I believe the greatest vocal harmony group to ever do it... and this may still be my favorite song of theres. Everything about it from the arrangement to the performance is perfect.
And I love the old sing along style the video is in. Because I sing along every time.
terrance bigham
I never knew the Boswells were on a Fleischer short! Man, the Fleischers really had a feel for musical talent, didn't they?
G Boo
i showed a lady who just turned 105 this and she and i hit it off she told me she remembers seeing this on the silver when she was a young married woman . she was soo cute she requested more of the bozzies tunes and started danceing it was ADORIBLE OMGNESS
Asch790
I love reading things like that. So glad there are still witnesses of those bygone eras, dwindling number sadly...
G Boo
@Asch790 i found out awhile ago after i posted the first comment that shes my my great aunt and shes turning 107 this year on halloween
Asch790
@G Boo - That's awesome! Best wishes to her! I hope she can stay in this world a bit more.
andrew voya
Now THATS what I call a privilege.......
Bless
G Boo
@Asch790 she's109 now lol mind still intacked still going strong
Lazy Orange House Cat
Pretty lullaby with beautiful harmonies!