Nelly Was a Lady

Down on de Mississippi floating, Long time I trabble on de way, All night de cotton-wood a toting, Sing for my true-lub all de day. Chorus: (2 times) Nelly was a Lady Last night she died, Toll de bell for lubly Nell My dark Virginny bride.

Now I’m unhappy and I’m weeping, Can’t tote de cotton-wood no more; Last night, while Nelly was a sleeping, Death came a knockin at the door. Chorus:

When I saw my Nelly in de morning, Smile till she open’d up her eyes, Seem’d like de light ob day a dawning, Jist ’fore de sun begin to rise. Chorus:

Close by de margin ob de water, Whar de lone weeping willow grows, Dar lib’d Virginny’s lubly daughter; Dar she in death may find repose. Chorus:

Down in de meadow mong de clober, Walk wid my Nelly by my side; Now all dem happy days am ober, Farewell my dark Virginny bride. Chorus: