Track 6: Down in Southern Illinois
Artist: Banjo Joe and Danielle
Lyrics sourced from oral tradition; found in Folk Songs and Singing Games of the Illinois Ozarks by David S. McIntosh, published by SIU Press
Melody, Arrangement, and Additional Lyrics by Joseph McCamish
Performed by:
Vocals and Banjo by Banjo Joe
Upright Bass and Background Vocals by Danielle Hartline
Additional Background Vocals by Jenny Pape, Nate Graham, Kendall Bell, and Eva Joy
Audio Link= https://rivertorivercommunityrecords.bandcamp.com/track/down-in-southern-illinois
Although a connection with “Egypt” was initially complimentary and reflecting a sense of abundance and prosperity, by the mid-19th century being an “Egyptian” from Southern Illinois was a slur. The label took on the meaning of being uneducated, immoral, violent, illiterate, and pro-slavery—especially as the United States inched closer to the Civil War. The phrases “darkest Egypt” or “dark as Egypt” entered into common usage in American news and literary sources. In “The Learning of the Egyptians” published on 18 Aug 1876 by the Boston Daily Advertiser, “Egypt” (Southern Illinois) is described as a “...cant popular designation of the southern portion of the State of Illinois, --being a figurative allusion to the “thick darkness” in which ancient Egypt was involved for three days, in the time of Moses. The inhabitants of southern Illinois have had the general reputation of being extremely ignorant.” In “Down in Southern Illinois,” the singer acknowledges this history while also countering with evidence of a lifestyle that the disparaging remarks omit. -SD
This song comes from the book, Folk Songs and Singing Games of the Illinois Ozarks by David McIntosh, published by the SIU Press in 1974.When I read the lyrics to this song I could sense the lighthearted humor beaming through. It’s a traditional song that lists the criticisms people have of this area and ultimately says, “Yeah, I’d rather have this.” I could think of no better group to take this one on than Banjo Joe and Danielle. Banjo Joe is a legendary act in this area, known for his friendly demeanor, humorous live show banter, and as the leader of the nationally touring band, The Whistle Pigs. They took the lyrics, added a melody, and made the song their own. They are joined at the end with a chorus of several other Southern Illinois musicians. -JP
Lyrics
You may sing of old Kentucky
Or your Indiana home
You may boast of old Missouri
Or the many lands you roam
But to me no land is dearer
When I dream of girls and boys
Than the country of my childhood down in Southern Illinois
Chorus
Down in Southern Illinois x 2
And I guess I’d rather stay, sir
Down in Southern Illinois
You may call it Darkest Egypt
You may call us green as grass
Say we live on mush and bacon
Johnny cakes and apple sass (Apple sass? Yum yum!)
But I tell you all your talking
Don’t begin to equal joy
That I feel when in the country
Down in Southern Illinois
chorus
You may tell me of the grandeur
Of big cities, oh so fine,
You may say their life is better
Than this country life of mine
But I dream of hog and cattle
Country sights and lots of noise
And I guess I’d rather stay, sir
Down in Southern Illinois
chorus x 2
