Historic Sheet Music Collection
Title
Document Type
Score
Publication Date
1863
Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Ten o'clock! the rain begins to fall,
And Nellie still from home!
Vainly now, her loving name we call,
Oh whither does she roam?
Can it be she wanders from the street,
Thro' the wood to find her onely way,
Bless the child!
I fear her little feet
Have carried her astray.
[Chorus]
Wake the boys to search for 'Nellie!
Stay not for the dawn;
Who shall sleep when from the mother's fold
One little lamb is gone!
[Verse 2]
Eleven o'clock! the little brothers wait,
Still hoping her return;
Peeping through the lattice of the gate,
Their darling to discern.
Weary now they turn them to the door,
While their tears, for lips that not are dumb,
Ask the question often asked before,
Oh mother, will she come?
[Chorus]
[Verse 3]
Twelve o'clock! and in the forest wild,
What terrors the hour!
Who can tell what foes surround the child ,
Or shield her from their power?
Storms to face and torrents to be cross'd,
Beasts of prey that in the darkness roam;
Would to God that only I were lost,
And Nellie safe at home!
[Chorus]
[Verse 4]
One o'clock! me thinks I hear a voice,
With tidings in its tone!
Does it bid this trembling heart rejoice,
Or sorrow makes it known?
Still I hear that midnight echo stirr'd,
Surely too, it bears a joyful sound;
Praise the Lord! a mother's prayer is heard,
The darling one is found!
[Chorus for last verse]
Thro' the wood the midnight echoes
Bear a joyful sound;
Praise the Lord! a mother's prayer is heard,
The darling one is found.
Recommended Citation
Work, Henry C., "Nellie Lost & Found" (1863). Historic Sheet Music Collection. 1125.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/sheetmusic/1125
The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.
Comments
Nellie Lost & Found
Song and Chorus
Words and Music by Henry C. Work.
Chicago: Root & Cady (1863)
Some of these resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the library or the institution.