I'm Tying The Leaves (So They Won't Come Down)
Composer(s): E.S.S. Huntingdon; J. Fred Helf
Performer(s): Grandpa Jones



Playmates were they, girl and lad
She's home today, lad feels sad
Doctor, he called, whispered low
"When the first autumn leaves fall, then she must go" 

Lad, with a tear, climbs a tree
"I'll keep her here" murmurs he
Big man in blue sternly cries
"What are you doing there?" Lad replies

"I'm tying the leaves so they won't come down
So the wind won't blow them away
For the best little girl in the whole wide world
Is lying so ill today
Her young life must go when the first leaves fall
I'm fixing them tight so they'll stay
I'm tying the leaves so they won't come down
So Nellie won't go away" 

Sad mother grieves, day by day
Watching the leaves, hears boy say
"You mustn't cry, for, you see
I've tied all the leaves fast up on the tree" 

Doctor brings joy one sad day
Mother tells boy: "Nell will stay"
Lad at girl's side, cries with glee
"That's what I said one day in the tree

"I'm tying the leaves so they won't come down
So the wind won't blow them away
For the best little girl in the whole wide world
Is lying so ill today
Her young life must go when the first leaves fall
I'm fixing them tight so they'll stay
I'm tying the leaves so they won't come down
So Nellie won't go away"