Geeshie Wiley
(c.1908 - c. mid-1950s)

Last Kind Words

Recorded 1930: MP3

transcription by Charles Bernstein:

The last –– kind words ––
I hear’d my –– daddy say ––
Lord ––the last kind words ––
I –– hear’d my daddy say:

“If I die –– if I die ––
in the –– German war ––
I –– want you to send my body ––
send it –– to my mother, Lord.

“If I get killed –– if I get killed ––
please don't –– bury my soul.
I –– prof’er just leave me out ––
let ya buzzards eat me whole.

“When you see –– me comin' ––
look 'cross the ––  rich man's field ––
if –– I don't bring you flour ––
I'll –– bring you bolted meal.”

I went –– to the depot ––
I looked up –– at the stars ––
cried –– some train don't come ––
there'll be some walkin' done.

My ma--ma –– told me ––
just before she died ––
Lord –– precious daughter ––
don't you be so wild.

The Missis-sippi river ––
you know it's –– deep and wide ––
I –– can stand right here ––
see my babe from the other side.

What you do –– to me baby ––
it never gets outta me ––
I –– may not see you ––
after I cross the deep blue sea.

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