Oh they say some people long ago

Were searching for a different tune

One that they could croon as only they can

They only had the rhythm

So they started swaying to and from

They didn't know just what to use

That is how the blues really began

They heard the breeze in the trees

Singing weird melodies

And they made that the start of the blues

And from a jail came the wail of a down hearted frail

And they played that as part of the blues

From a whippoorwill out on a hill

They took a new note

Pushed it through a horn

Till it was worn into a blue note

And then they nursed it

Rehearsed it

And gave out that news

That the Southland gave birth to the blues

From a whippoorwill out on a hill

They took a new note

Pushed it through a horn

Till it was worn into a blue note

And then they nursed it

And they rehearsed it

And then they gave out that news

That the Southland gave birth to the blues

Oh the Southland gave birth to the blues