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Loved by many, despised by others, “Dixie” is still among the most recognizable of all American songs.  Ironically, it was written by a Northerner, Daniel Decatur Emmett.  Bryant’s (blackface) Minstrels premiered it in New York City on April 4, 1859.  “I Wish I Was in Dixie’s Land” was an instant hit, and its popularity spread quickly.  By 1860 it was especially enjoyed in Southern states and soon also among Confederate army bands.  However, many Union bands also played Dixie during the war, or versions of it, and President Lincoln included Dixie among his favorites.

I wish I was in the land of cotton,

Old times there are not forgotten;

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

In Dixie’s Land where I was born in,

Early on one frosty mornin,

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray!  Hooray!

In Dixie’s Land I’ll take my stand

to live and die in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Old Missus marry “Will the weaver,”

Willium was a gay deceiver;

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

And when he put his arm around ‘er,

He smiled as fierce as a forty-pounder,

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray!  Hooray!

In Dixie’s Land I’ll take my stand

to live and die in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

His face was sharp as a butcher’s cleaver

But that did not seem to grieve ‘er

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

Ole Missus acted the foolish part

She died for a man that broke her heart

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray!  Hooray!

In Dixie’s Land I’ll take my stand

to live and die in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Now here’s to the health to the next ole Missus

An’ all the gals that want to kiss us;

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land

And if you want to drive away sorrow

Come and hear our song tomorrow

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray!  Hooray!

In Dixie’s Land I’ll take my stand

to live and die in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Dar’s buckwheat cakes an Injun batter,

Makes your fat a little fatter;

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

Then hoe it down and scratch your gravel,

To Dixie’s Land I’m bound to travel.

Look away!  Look away!  Look away!  Dixie Land.

I wish I was in Dixie, Hooray!  Hooray!

In Dixie’s Land I’ll take my stand

to live and die in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

Away, away, away down south in Dixie.

*There are numerous variations and alternative verses.

Old Clinton "War Days"

Sat. & Sun., May 4 & 5