A march ballad from 1909
Words by Robert F. Roden
Music by J. Fred Helf
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
1. “Joe, I long to see the city’s bright lights gleaming
A maid one day was heard to say
I can picture them, it seems dear, in my dreaming
And I’m going far away
That same evening as the fast express was nearing
Joe saw his Sue with one he knew
‘Twas the city stranger gay who had won her heart away
And he said, “Sue stay, please do”
Chorus:
“Ain’t Alabama good enough for you, Sue
You’ll rue, Sue, if you, Sue
Should leave the friends who’ve always loved you true, Sue
For friends who may prove false to you
‘Neath city lights your heart may ache and break, Sue
So say you will not roam
Ain’t Alabama good enough for you, Sue
Dearie, say you’ll stay at home”
2. “City life caused sister Ruth and I to part, Sue
I’ll ne’er forget the night we met
There were roses on her cheeks but in her heart, Sue
Was the thorn, dear, of regret
Sweetheart, won’t you let me take you home to mother
She’s waiting Sue, with heart so true
Dearie, do not hesitate, Alabama’s mother’s State
Ain’t it good enough for you”