Dixie

The song "Dixie" was written in 1859 by a Northerner, and was used in minstrel shows, in which whites played black characters, because black performers were prohibited. The song describes a freed slave who misses his former life as a slave. This song was popular with the Southerners because of its use as political propaganda, and became the unofficial anthem of the Confederacy.

Sheet music depicting a minstrel show.

The origin of the name "Dixie" is not known for certain, but one theory is that it originated with the $10 bills issued in New Orleans, Louisiana banks and printed in French. "Dix" means "Ten" in French.

I wish I was in de land ob cotton, Old times dar am not forgotten; Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. In Dixie Land whar I was born in, Early on one frosty mornin, Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. Old Missus marry "Will-de-weaber," Willium was a gay deceaber; Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. But when he put his arm around'er, He smilled as fierce as a forty-pound'er, Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land.

Dar's buck-wheat cake an 'Ingen' batter, Makes you fat or a little fatter; Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land. Den hoe it down an scratch your grabble, To Dixie land I'm bound to trabble. Look away! Look away! Look away! Dixie Land.