[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
Sheet Music
Accompaniment
Lyrics
Down South, there’s a river flowin’
Where the skies are always blue
Down South, that is where I’m going
When my dreams have all come true
How I long to hear those darkies singin’ once more
Sittin’ in the evenin’ on that old river shore
Refrain
Sittin’ by the river
On a summer evenin’
Lis’nin’ to the darkies hum
Sittin’ by a cabin
When the moon is beamin’
Lis’nin’ to the banjos strum
Serenaders croonin’
Lovers shyly spoonin’
Peace and rest on every hand
Sittin’ by the river
On a summer evenin’
In my old Kentucky Land
Refrain
Sittin’ by the river
On a summer evenin’
Lis’nin’ to the steamboat blow
Hear the music playin’
Comin’ down the river
Couples swayin’ to and fro
Evenin’ breezes blowin’
Evenin’ stars a-glowin’
Houn’ dog bayin’ at the moon
Sittin’ by the river
On a summer evenin’
Lis’nin’ to the darkies croon