Down south, the banjos cry too
Everybody whose sayin' hidee hi too
While the moon beams danced on the Bayou
That's how rhythm was born

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

Folks came down
Gathered round that old swiney shore
Caught the craze and sang his praise
They all cried why don't you give us some more

Down south, the banjos cry too
Everybody's singin' hidee hi too
While the moon beams danced on the Bayou
That's how rhythm was born

Down south, the banjos cry too
Everybody whose sayin' hidee hi too
While the moon beams danced on the Bayou
That's just how rhythm was born

They've praised the mighty forgiver
They've washed their sins in the river
Cold water well it made 'em wanna shiver
That's how rhythm was born

Folks came down
Gathered round that old swiney shore
Caught the craze and sang his praise
And cried, come on, gimme some more

You can ask anyone, sir
They lights will be over yonder
Yady yady yady yady yady yadi
That's how rhythm was born

Banjo's cry too
Don't they hidee hi too
Dance on the Bayou
That's just the reason that rhythm was born

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

Folks came down
And gathered around that swiney shore
Caught the craze and sang his praise
They all cried why don't ya gimme some more

Ask you anyone, sir
And they be glad to answer you, sir
The lights will be over yonder
That's just the reason that rhythm was born
That's how rhythm was born