Cat. #0220 (MFH #360) - As sung by Mrs. Laura McDonald, Springdale, Arkansas on July 23, 1958
VERSE 1
Down by th shore of a sounding sea
Was the home of Lila Lee
Over th ocean, so far away
Went sailing her lover, Nathan Gray
VERSE 2
He sailed away, and away, and away
Farther and father, day by day
Thinking of his diamonds and of his gold
And th joys they'd bring him, when he got old
VERSE 3
After many long years tossing about
Th good ship started on a homeward route
Now, said Nathan, in his own avanity
I'm going to th home of Lila Lee
VERSE 4
Good ship landed safe once more
Stepped his foot on th sounding shore
Off he ran, to the dear beloved spot
To find a bleak and desolate lot
VERSE 5
On he started, thru th field
For he said, I will not yield
Th graveyard lay, before bid his way
All covered with flowers, in th month of May
VERSE 6
Twenty graves, he read and passed
Quick he stopped and stood aghast
Upon a marble stone, O what did he see
But th sacred name of Lila Lee