I Be'n down in ole Kentucky
    Fur a week er two, an' say,
'T wuz ez hard ez breakin' oxen
    Fur to tear myse'f away.
Allus argerin' 'bout fren'ship
    An' yer hospitality—
Y' ain't no right to talk about it
    Tell you be'n down there to see.

See jest how they give you welcome
    To the best that's in the land,
Feel the sort o' grip they give you
    When they take you by the hand.
Hear 'em say, "We're glad to have you,
    Better stay a week er two;"
An' the way they treat you makes you
    Feel that ev'ry word is true.

Feed you tell you hear the buttons
    Crackin' on yore Sunday vest;
Haul you roun' to see the wonders
    Tell you have to cry for rest.
Drink yer health an' pet an' praise you
    Tell you git to feel ez great
Ez the Sheriff o' the county
    Er the Gov'ner o' the State.

Wife, she sez I must be crazy
    Cause I go on so, an' Nelse
He 'lows, "Goodness gracious! daddy,
    Cain't you talk about nuthin' else?"
Well, pleg-gone it, I 'm jes' tickled,
    Bein' tickled ain't no sin;
I be'n down in ole Kentucky,
    An' I want o' go ag'in.