Missouri State Song

• by George Bailey • Published: May 31, 2007

"The Missouri Waltz" became the official state song of Missouri in June of 1949. While Harry S. Truman is often associated with the song's popularity and considered to be extremely fond of it (he played it on piano at the White House) documentation sadly reveals this to be less fact than fiction. Truman said about it in a television interview: "If you let me say what I think, I don't give a ... about it, but I can't say it out loud because it's the song of Missouri." He added: "It's as bad as "The Star Spangled Banner" as far as music is concerned."

"The Missouri Waltz"

Hush-a-bye, ma baby, slumbertime is comin' soon; Rest yo' head upon my breast while Mommy hums a tune; The sandman is callin' where shadows are fallin', While the soft breezes sigh as in days long gone by.

Way down in Missouri where I heard this melody, When I was a little child upon my Mommy's knee; The old folks were hummin'; their banjos were strummin'; So sweet and low.

Strum, strum, strum, strum, strum, Seems I hear those banjos playin' once again, Hum, hum, hum, hum, hum, That same old plaintive strain.

Hear that mournful melody, It just haunts you the whole day long, And you wander in dreams back to Dixie, it seems, When you hear that old time song.

Hush-a-bye ma baby, go to sleep on Mommy's knee, Journey back to Dixieland in dreams again with me; It seems like your Mommy is there once again, And the old folks were strummin' that same old refrain.

Way down in Missouri where I learned this lullaby, When the stars were blinkin' and the moon was climbin' high, Seems I hear voices low, as in days long ago, Singin' hush-a-bye.