My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night! was written in 1853 by Stephen Foster and first appeared in the minstrel stage tradition of the mid-19th century. Over time the song moved beyond that context and became widely known in American popular and folk traditions. It remains closely associated with the state of Kentucky, where it is traditionally performed at the Kentucky Derby. The song has been recorded by artists including Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, and Johnny Cash. Details: – Song: My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night! – Composer: Stephen Foster (1853), United States – Performed by Jason Paul
Jason Paul · The song collection1853
My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!
The performance
2 recordingsPerformance 1
My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night! [1853] – Stephen Foster | Jason Paul, acoustic folk
March 13, 2026
Lyrics and chords
Words and music by Stephen Foster
verse 1
The Dsun shines bright D7in the Gold Kentucky Dhome
‘Tis Bmsummer the E7old folks are Agay
The Dcorn top’s ripe D7and the Gmeadow’s in the Dbloom
E7While the Dbirds make A7music all the Dday
verse 2
The Dyoung folks roll A7on the G little cabin Dfloor
All Bmmerry, all E7happy, and Abright
By’n Dby hard times D7comes a Gknocking at the Ddoor
E7Then my Dold Kentucky A7homr, good Dnight.
Chorus
Weep no Gmore my Dlady,
F#7oh Gweep no more toDday
We A7will Dsing one song D7for the Gold Kentucky Dhome
E7For the Dold Kentucky A7home far aDway
verse 3
The Dday goes by D7like a Gshadow o’er the Dheart
With Bmsorrow where E7all was deAlight
The Dtime has come D7when the Gold folks have to Dpart
E7Then my Dold Kentucky A7home, good Dnight