Meaning of "Swanee" by George Gershwin

"Swanee" captures the nostalgia and yearning for home, specifically for the South, symbolized by the Swanee River. The narrator expresses deep feelings of missing their home, with references to the banjo playing, birds singing, and the heartfelt connection with loved ones waiting for them. The yearning for home is amplified by the desire to be back in the cherished Southern town of D-I-X-I-E, surrounded by old folks who are dearly missed. The repetition of "Swanee, how I love ya" reinforces the emotional pull towards the familiar and the comfort of home. The lyrics evoke a sense of homesickness, a longing for the past, and a strong connection to one's roots, demonstrating the universal theme of longing for a place of belonging and love.