I is just what I was   And can't be who I'd be      To love the language   You got to be born   On the banks of the Mississippi      Ax' ya X what talks in tongues   Say, never mo' neither me      To love the language   You got to be born   On the banks of the Mississippi, alright      Stayin' by my mama's in slippers and pajamas   Where there's always somethin' good to eat   Bettin' strawberries, honey and cherries   And pecan-pies, oh, so sweet      With a dew-rag on my brow   Jasmine, wisteria and Fleur-de-lis      To love the language   You got to be born   On the banks of the Mississippi, alright   Yeah, c'mon      Stayin' by my mama's in slippers and pajamas   Where there's always somethin' good to eat   Bettin' strawberries, honey and cherries   And pecan-pies, oh, so sweet      If you won't work for a livin'   And live life leisurely   Pull up a screen pouch   Flop out in a rockin' chair      To love the language   You got to be born   On the banks of the Mississippi, alright      [Incomprehensible] let's go