The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #138764 Message #3661958
Posted By: Lighter
19-Sep-14 - 03:38 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Meaning of lyrics to Dixie Land
Subject: RE: Origins: Meaning of lyrics to Dixie Land
Ever hear of a "hoedown"? That's what you dance when you "hoe it down."
To "scratch gravel" meant to hurry.
In the song, however, it is also possible that both phrases refer to dance steps performed at a hoedown.
Since the sing began as a stage composition, odds are that composer-minstrel Daniel Emmett accompanied the lines with appropriate gestures.