[Verse 1]
Now the pale moon's shining on the fields below
The folks are crooning soft and low
You needn't tell me, boy, because I know, yes
When it's sleepy time down south

[Verse 2]
Yes, the soft wind blowing through the pinewood trees
The folks down there live a life of ease
When old mammy falls on her knees, yes
When it's sleepy time down south, yes

[Bridge]
Steamboats on the river coming and going, (scat)
Splashing the night away, (scat)
You hear those banjos ringin' and the folks are singin'
And they dance, yes, the break of day, yeah

[Verse 3]
Dear old southland with his dreamy song
You take me back where I belong
Right in my mammy's arms
(Scat), yes, good evening everybody