Stephen Foster — Nelly Was a Lady

Down on the Mississippi floating Long time I travel on the way All night the cottonwood a-toting Sing for my true love all the day Now I’m unhappy, and I’m weeping Can’t tote the cottonwood no more; Last night, while Nelly was a-sleeping Death came a-knocking at the door Nelly was a lady Last night, she died Toll the bell for lovely Nell My dark Virginny bride When I saw my Nelly in the morning Smile till she opened up her eyes Seemed like the light of day a-dawning Just ‘fore the sun begin to rise Down in the meadow, ‘mong the clover Walk with my Nelly by my side; Now all them happy days are over Farewell, my dark Virginny bride Nelly was a lady Last night, she died Toll the bell for lovely Nell My dark Virginny bride