Down south the banjos cry to
Everybody who's sayin' hidie-hi to
While the moonbeams danced on the bayou
That's how rhythm was born

They praised the Mighty Forgiver
They washed their sins in the river
Cold water made 'em all shiver
That's how rhythm was born

Folks came down and gathered round
That old Swanee shore
Caught the craze and sang His praise
They all cried, "Why don't cha gimme some more?"

Down south the banjos cry to
Everybody who's singin' hidie-hi to
While the moonbeams danced on the bayou
That's how rhythm was born

Down south the banjos cry to
Everybody who's singin' hidie-hi to
While the moonbeams danced on the bayou
That's just how rhythm was born

They praised the Mighty Forgiver
They washed their sins in the river
Cold water, well it made them wanna shiver
And that's how rhythm was born

Folks came down and gathered round
That old Swanee shore
Caught the craze and sang His praise
And cried, "Come on, give me some more"

You can ask anyone, sir
They'll answer we'll be over yonder
That's how rhythm was born

Banjos cry to
Don't they hidie-hi to
Dance on the bayou
And that's just the reason that rhythm was born

Praise and forgive 'em
Washed their sins in the river
Cold water makes 'em all shiver
And that's just the reason that rhythm was born

Folks came down and gathered around
That Swanee shore
Caught the craze, sang His praise
They all cried, "Why don't cha gimme some more?"

Ask you anyone, sir
And they'd be glad to answer you, sir
They'll answer we'll be over yonder
And that's just the reason that rhythm was born
That's how rhythm was born

Writer : WHITING, GEORGE/JOHNSON, J C/BURTON, NAT
Copyright : Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, THE SONGWRITERS GUILD OF AMERICA