The Dying Californian

Cat. #0186 (MFH #133) - As sung by Mrs. Allie Long Parker, Eureka Springs, Arkansas on July 10, 1958

VERSE 1
Lie up nearer, brother nearer
For my limbs are growing cold

VERSE 2
And your presence seemeth nearer
When your arms around me fold

VERSE 3
I am dying, brother dying
Soon you'll miss me from your berth

VERSE 4
And my form will soon be lying
N'eath the oceans briney surf

VERSE 5
Tell my Father, when you greet him
That in death I prayed for him

VERSE 6
Prayed, that I some day would meet him
In th world that's free from sin

VERSE 7
Tell my Mother, God uphold her
Now that she is growing old

VERSE 8
Tell her, how I missed her presen
When my limbs grew stiff and cold

VERSE 9
Listen brother, closely listen
T'is my wife I speak of now

VERSE 10
Tell her how I missed her presen
When th fever burned my brow

VERSE 11
Tell her for to kiss my children
Like th kiss I last impressed

VERSE 12
Hold them as when last I held them
Pressing closely to her breast

VERSE 13
Tell her, I never reached th haven
Where I saught th precious dust

VERSE 14
But I've gained the portal heaven
Where th gold will never rust