I just dropped in to see you all and say
I leave today, I'm on my way
I'm goin' back to sunny Dixieland
That's why I came to shake you by the hand
The minute when I cross that Dixie Line
No more I'll pine, won't that be fine?
Mister Captain, don't fail me, just hurry and sail me
To that gal of mine

Floatin' down, my honey, floatin' down
Floatin' on the river down Cotton Town
Just hear that whistle toot toot tootin' away
And those darkies singin', banjos ringin' 'till the break of day
Honey lamb, my little honey lamb
I'll come back to you in Alabam'
While fields of sugar cane seem to welcome me again
Floatin' down to Cotton Town

Just see those southern roses 'long the shore
There's just one more I'm longing for
The cotton blossoms in the moonlight fair
Remind me of my mammy's snow white hair
Just hear that music 'neath the southern moon
While darkies croon a Dixie tune
Mister Captain you've hurried, but don't keep me worried
Land me there right soon

Floatin' down, my honey, floatin' down
Floatin' on the river down Cotton Town
Just hear that whistle toot toot tootin' away
And those darkies singin', banjos ringin' 'till the break of day
Honey lamb, my little honey lamb
I'll come back to you in Alabam'

I saw a field of blossoms, and they've been long forgotten
I saw my dear old mammy standing by the cabin door

While fields of sugar cane seem to welcome me again
Floatin' down to Cotton Town