From the sheet music at Indiana University:


WHEN I GET TO NEW ORLEANS
Words and music by Newton Alexander
"Originally introduced in vaudeville by Thea and Winnie Lightner and Newton Alexander"
Chicago: Will Rossiter, ©1917.

1. Farewell, ev'rybody; I must say goodbye.
Don't let the parting grieve you, and I'll tell you why:
I'm on my way to New Orleans (take a boat; take a boat),
To New Orleans (all aboard, all aboard),
Back to that southern land of dreams.

CHORUS: I'm goin' to take a train to New Orleans.
I'm goin' to hang around those bayou streams.
I want to hear those darkies singing 'long that river shore.
I'll toss some pennies to those little pickaninnies. (Boo!)
I hear my mother's voice in all my dreams.
It seems to say, "Come back to New Orleans."
Now that I've got my grip and satchel packed,
With my Sunday clothes upon my back,
I'll be happy, I'll be happy, when I get to New Orleans.

2. Goodbye, ev'rybody; I'm all fixed to go
Back to the friends of childhood that I used to know,
That dear old town of New Orleans (happy days, happy days).
To New Orleans (let 'er go; let 'er go),
I'm on my way to home, sweet home. CHORUS