Why rave about the Carolines, about a cabin in the pines
Why moan about the Swanee shore?
Why brag about the southern moon
And how those levee workers croon?
Speak like this and you'll impress me more

Fried chicken, nice and sweet
Cornpone and possum meat
Mince pie that can't be beat
That's what I like 'bout the south

Pigtails and black-eyed peas
Hog maw and cottage cheese
You eat much as you please
That's what I like 'bout the south

Biscuits? Umph! You oughta taste the ones Aunt Jenny makes!
Flapjacks? Umph! Don't stand a show with Jenny's good hoe cakes.
Hot bread and turnip greens, "fat back" and lima beans
They know what livin' means
That's what I like 'bout the south

A stranger at the gate
Don't have to hestitate
Just grab yourself a plate
That's what I like 'bout the south

Cornbread and bacon rind
Ripe melons off the vine
Wine made from dandelion
That's what I like 'bout the south

'Tatters? Umph! You oughta taste them juicy yeller yams!
Sweet meat? Umph! You oughta taste them sweet Virginia hams
Crab gumbo, nice and hot
Stewed rice and pepper pot
Neckbones that hit the spot
That's what I like 'bout the south

Where cotton blossoms sway
Where hearts are light and gay
Where work is turned to play
That's what I like 'bout the south

Where flocks are neighborly
Where you will always see
Real hospitality
That's what I like 'bout the south

Dancin'? Umph! You oughta see how they can use their feet!
Singin' Umph! They know the best of every note and beat.
Where flocks know how to swing
Make songs for everything
Where happiness is king
That's what I like 'bout the south