Dreamin' Town

"Dreamin' Town" sets the text of Paul Laurence Dunbar from his volume Lyrics of Sunshine and Shadow of 1905. The song was published by Southern Music Company as the first song of Florence Price's Four Songs (in Volume 15 of Art Songs by American Women Composers).
Price depicts the rocking motion of a lullaby in the 6/8 meter of the piano accompaniment. She uses chromaticism sparingly to maintain the serenity and hope of a mother's dreams.

Date: 1934Composer: Florence PriceText: Paul Laurence Dunbar

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    Dreamin’ Town
    by Paul Laurence Dunbar

    Come away to dreamin’ town,
    Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou,
    Whaih de skies don’ nevah frown,
    Mandy Lou;
    Whaih he streets is paved with gol’,
    Whaih de days is nevah col’,
    An’ no sheep strays f’om de fol’,
    Mandy Lou.

    Ain’t you tiahed of every day,
    Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou,
    Tek my han’ an’ come away,
    Mandy Lou,
    To the place whaih dreams is King,
    Whaih my heart hol’s everything,
    An’ my soul can allus sing,
    Mandy Lou.

    Come away to dream wid me,
    Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou,
    Whaih our hands an’ hea’ts are free,
    Mandy Lou;
    Whaih de sands is shinin’ white,
    Whaih de rivahs glistens bright,
    Mandy Lou.

    Come away to dreamland town,
    Mandy Lou, Mandy Lou,
    Whaih de fruit is bendin’ down,
    Des fu’ you.
    Smooth your brow of lovin’ brown,
    An’ my love will be its crown;
    Come away to dreamin’ town,
    Mandy Lou.

    Related Information

    Sheet Music

    Art Songs by American Women Composers, Vol. 15: Florence Price

    Composer(s): Florence Price

    Song(s): Dreamin' Town
    What's the use?
    Go down, Moses
    My little soul's goin' to shine

    Voice Type: Medium/High

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