Down on the Old Plantation
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns · The Three Bells [Bear Family] [1993]
I hear the banjos ringing
Those melodies that linger in my heart
I hear the old folks singing
Those good old songs that make the teardrops start.
Oh, how I long to go back again
Back to those blue Dixie skies
Down on the old plantation
Oh, take me there and let me live and die.
--- Instrumental ---
Oh, how I long to go back again
Back to those blue Dixie skies
Down on the old plantation
Oh, take me there and let me live and die.
Oh, take me there and let me live and die...
About Down on the Old Plantation
Jim Ed Brown and the Browns deliver a spirited rendition of "Down on the Old Plantation," a staple of the gospel and spiritual music tradition. Recorded for their 1993 Bear Family release, *The Three Bells*, the track exemplifies the group's signature style, blending traditional hymnody with a driving, rhythmic energy characteristic of the era's gospel revival. The song serves as a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of plantation-era spirituals, capturing the communal spirit and emotional depth found in such recordings. Brown's vocal delivery anchors the piece, offering a dynamic performance that honors the historical roots of the genre while maintaining the vitality expected from a contemporary gospel act. This recording stands as a significant contribution to the catalog of spirituals, reflecting both the artistic integrity of the group and the rich musical heritage they helped preserve.