[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
The first time an African-American woman was referred to as a lady.
a 1849 popular song.
words and music by Stephen C. Foster
From The Stephen Foster Song Book: “Nelly is the liveliest (of Foster’s departed heroines). Her syncopated requiem, published in 1849, was heard on minstrel stages all over the country, hard on the golden heels of her fabulous sister Susanna. The chorus briefly eulogizes her in terms that are matter-of-fact and unsentimental.” Foster brought sentimentality to the parlor and class to the minstrel show.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Werner Tomaschewski:
Lyrics
1. Down on de Mississippi floating
Long time I trabble on de way
All night de cottonwood a-toting
Sing for my true lub all de day
Chorus
Nelly was a Lady
Last night she died
Toll de bell for lubly Nell
My dark Virginny bride
2. Now I’m unhappy and I’m weeping
Can’t tote de cottonwood no more
Last night, while Nelly was a-sleeping
Death came a knockin’ at the door
3. 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
4. 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
5. 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
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Sung here by Fred Feild: