"Sweet Sunny South" is a sentimental song about the South that seems to have struck the right chord with Southerners, for it has turned up often in the repertory of traditional singers in the 20th century. Perhaps what made it compelling is the combination of the sentiments and the beautiful old folktune through which they are expressed. The tune is akin to the older "Hicks's Farewell" tune that appears in 19th-century shape-note hymnals.