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