THAT'S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THE SOUTH
Written by Andy Razaf
As recorded by Phil Harris, 1937.

Won't you come with me to Alabammy?
Let's go see my dear old mammy.
She's fryin' eggs and broilin' hammy.
That's what I like about the South.
Now there you can make no mistake-y,
Where those nerves are never shaky.
Ought to taste her layer cake-y.
That's what I like about the South.

She's got baked ribs and candied yams,
Those sugar-cured Virginia hams,
Basement full of those berry jams,
And that's what I like about the South.
Hot cornbread and black-eyed peas,
You can eat as much as you please,
'Cause it's never out of season.
That's what I like about the South.

Ah, don't take one; have two.
They're dark brown and choc'late too.
Suits me; they must suit you,
'Cause that's what I like about the South.

Well, it's away way down where the cane grows tall,
Down where they say "you all."
Walk on in with that southern drawl,
'Cause that's what I like about the South.
Down where they have those pretty queens,
Keep a-dreamin' those dreamy dreams.
Well, let's sip that absinthe in New Orleans.
That's what I like about the South.

Here come old Bob with all the news.
Got the box-back coat and the button shoes,
But he's all caught up with his union dues,
And that's what I like about the South.
Here come old Roy down the street.
Hoo! Can't you hear those scufflin' feet?
He would rather sleep than eat,
An'-an'-an' that's what I like about the South.

Now ev'ry time I pass your door,
You act like you don't want me no more.
Why don't you shake that head and sigh?
And I'll go walkin' right on by.
Gone on, on and on and on.
Honey, when you tell me that you love me,
Then how come you close your eyes?
Did I tell you 'bout the place called Doo-Wah-Diddy?
It ain't no town and it ain't no city.
It's just awful small but awful pretty
That's Doo-Wah-Diddy.

Well, I didn't come here to criticize.
I'm not here to sympathize,
But don't tell me them no-good lies,
'Cause a lyin' gal I do despise.
You love me like I love you.
Send me fifty P.D.Q.
Rose are red and vi'lets pink.
I won't get old fifty I don't think.

She's got backbones and turnip greens,
Ham hocks and butterbeans,
You and me in New Orleans,
And that's what I like about the South.