Poor Old Slave
Composer(s): George W.H. Griffin



'Tis just one year ago today
That I remember well
I sat down by poor Nelly's side
And a story she did tell
'Twas 'bout a poor unhappy slave
That lived for many a year
But now he's dead, and in his grave
No master does he fear

Chorus:
The poor old slave has gone to rest
We know that he is free
Disturb him not but let him rest
'Way down in Tennessee

She took my arm, we walk'd along
Into an open field
And there she passed to breathe awhile
Then to his grave did steal
She sat down by that little mound
And softly whisper'd there
Come to me, father, 'tis thy child
Then gently dropp'd a tear

(Chorus)

But since that time how things have changed
Poor Nelly that was my bride
Is laid beneath the cold grave sod
With her father by her side
I planted there upon her grave
The weeping willow tree
I bathed its roots with many a tear
That it might shelter me

(Chorus)