Down south, the banjos cry to Deep blues the darkies "Hidey-hi" to While moonbeams dance on the bayou That's how rhythm was born! They praise the Mighty Forgiver They wash their sins in the river Cold water makes 'em all shiver That's how rhythm was born! Folks came down to gather around That Swanee shore Caught the craze and sang His praise Cried, "Why don't you give us some more?" Down south, the banjos cry to Deep blues the darkies "Hidey-hi" to While moonbeams dance on the bayou That's how rhythm was born! Oh, down south, the banjos cry to Deep blues the darkies "Hidey-hi" to While moonbeams dance on the bayou That's just how rhythm was born! They praise the Mighty Forgiver They wash their sins in the river Cold water always makes 'em all shiver And that's how rhythm was born! Folks came down to gather round That old Swanee shore Caught the craze and sang His praise And cried, "Come on, give us some more!" You can ask anyone, sir They'll answer, "We'll be over yonder!" That's how rhythm was born! Banjos cry to Darkies "Hidey-hi" to Dance on the bayou That's just the reason that rhythm was born! Praise their Forgiver Wash the sins in the river Water makes 'em all shiver And that's just the reason that rhythm was born! Ask anyone, sir They'll be glad to answer you sir They'll answer, "We'll be over yonder!" That's how rhythm was born