Swanee River

Expresses a distant location on the Swanee River, suggesting a sense of nostalgia or separation.

Emphasizes the considerable distance from the Swanee River, reinforcing a feeling of remoteness.

Describes a heartfelt yearning for a place far away, likely the Swanee River.

Refers to a home where elderly family members reside, indicating a longing for one's roots.

Repeats the sentiment of being on the Swanee River, highlighting the emotional connection to this place.

Reiterates the distance and emphasizes the emotional connection to the Swanee River.

Expresses an enduring yearning for a place, likely the Swanee River, and the home of elderly family members.

Repeats the idea of a home where old folks stay, reinforcing the sense of nostalgia.

Describes the speaker's wandering across the entire creation with a sense of sadness.

Expresses the speaker's continued search and restlessness.

Communicates a deep longing for the old plantation, indicating a desire for connection to heritage.

Expresses a specific yearning for the old folks at home, emphasizing familial ties and heritage.

An exclamation, possibly conveying strong emotion or emphasizing a particular point.

An exclamation indicating surprise, awe, or intensity of emotion.

Reiterates the setting on the Swanee River, underlining its significance to the speaker.

Emphasizes the distance to the Swanee River, reinforcing the theme of separation and yearning.

Repeats the speaker's emotional yearning for the Swanee River and the home of old folks.

Restates the desire for a home where the old folks stay, deepening the emotional connection.

Repeats the speaker's wandering with a sense of sadness, suggesting a prolonged search for solace.

Reiterates the speaker's continued yearning for the old plantation, emphasizing the persistent emotional state.

Expresses a lingering desire for the old plantation and the old folks at home.

Reiterates the specific yearning for the old folks at home, deepening the emotional resonance.

Paints a picture of a world that is universally sad and dreary, reflecting the speaker's emotional state.

Indicates the speaker's perception of sadness everywhere, emphasizing a pervasive emotional tone.

Expresses the speaker's weariness and heartache, particularly in relation to "darkies" or the African American community.

Repeats the theme of distance from the old folks at home, emphasizing the emotional toll of separation.

Reiterates the speaker's distance from the old folks at home, reinforcing the central theme of yearning.

Emphasizes, once again, the distance from the old folks at home, underscoring the enduring emotional struggle.

Repeats the poignant sentiment of being far from the old folks at home, concluding the song with a lasting impression of separation.