Mississippi Mud

Bing Crosby

About Mississippi Mud

"Mississippi Mud" is a 1927 song written by Harry Barris, first sung by Bing Crosby as a member of Paul Whiteman's Rhythm Boys.

Year:: 1994
: 3:09
: 9,107 Views
Playlists:: #16

Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

When the sun goes down, the tide goes out, 
The people gather 'round and they all begin to shout,
"Hey! Hey! Uncle Dud,
It's a treat to beat your feet on the Mississippi Mud.
It's a treat to beat your feet on the Mississippi Mud".

What a dance do they do!
Lordy, how I'm tellin' you
They don't need no band
They keep time by clappin' their hand
Just as happy as a cow chewin' on a cud,
When the people beat their feet on the Mississippi Mud.

Lordy, how they play it!
Goodness, how they sway it!
Uncle Joe, Uncle Jim,
How they pound the mire with vigor and vim!
Joy! that music thrills me!
Boy! it nearly kills me!
What a show when they go!
Say! they beat it up either fast or slow.

When the sun goes down, the tide goes out,
The people gather 'round and they all begin to shout,
"Hey! Hey! Uncle Dud,
It's a treat to beat your feet on the Mississippi Mud.
It's a treat to beat your feet on the Mississippi Mud".

What a dance do they do!
Lordy, how I'm tellin' you
They don't need no band
They keep time by clappin' their hand.
Just as happy as a cow chewin' on a cud.
When the people beat their feet on the Mississippi Mud.

Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Harry Lillis "Bing" Crosby (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 1977) was an American singer and actor. Crosby's trademark bass-baritone voice made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century, with over half a billion records in circulation. more »

31 fans

Sheet Music PDF Playlist

Written by: HARRY BARRIS, JAMES CAVANAUGH

Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

11 facts about this song

Collaboration "Mississippi Mud" is a significant collaboration between Bing Crosby and Paul Whiteman. Crosby had been a vocalist in Whiteman's band before starting a successful solo career. Together, they produced this iconic song.
Historical Value The song "Mississippi Mud" was first recorded on January 26, 1927. This song is often seen as a symbol of the vibrant music scene of the 1920s, and it is well regarded for its historical value.
Songwriter "Mississippi Mud" was written by Harry Barris, who was also a singer and staff musician for Paul Whiteman's orchestra. Barris wrote the song in 1927 and it became a chart hit that year.
Jazz Influence The song is considered a jazz standard. Its rhythm, melody, and lyrics are strongly influenced by the jazz tradition, demonstrating the genre's immense popularity in the 1920s.
Chart Performance "Mississippi Mud" was a huge success upon its release. The song was a number one best seller for the Victor record label.
Legacy Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists, including Dean Martin and Bobby Darin. The Bix Beiderbecke and his Gang version of the song from 1928 is particularly renowned, ensuring the song's continuous relevance in jazz and popular music.
In Films The song "Mississippi Mud" was featured in the 1930 movie "King of Jazz," which starred Paul Whiteman and his orchestra. Bing Crosby, although having left the Whiteman band by then, also made an appearance in the film.
Musical Structure "Mississippi Mud" is a brisk syncopated tune presented in a two-beat Dixieland jazz style. It is known for its catchy and eccentric aural aesthetics.
Signature Song Despite having a proficient career in songwriting, "Mississippi Mud" remains the most recognisable and enduring work of songwriter Harry Barris.
Iconic Lyric The song is notable for the phrase "What a dance do they do, Lordy, how I'm tellin' you," which has been representative of the playfulness and charm of the Roaring Twenties.
Cultural Representation "Mississippi Mud" paints a romantic picture of the Deep South. The lyrics, dance rhythms, and southern accents used in the song contribute to a stereotypical, but affectionate representation of the southern U.S. during the Jazz Age.

more »

Discuss the Mississippi Mud Lyrics with the community:

1 Comment

Notify me of new comments via email.

PattiDuffy
Want more with the tune. 1957 `Girls Jinks` at Palo Alto High School, Palo Alto , CA (across from Stanford University. Two night performance. All girls two night show. I loved this. The renowned Joanie Baez and I sang a song at this gig. more »
LikeReply1 year ago