80
SUKEE RIVER
’Neat’ dis shadin’ hedge
Growin’ by your bridge,
I am thinkin’ o’ you’ love,
Love dat not’in’ can remove,
’Neat’ dis shadin’ hedge
Growin’ by your bridge,
Love more pure, I ken,
Dan de love o’ men,
Knowin’ not de fickle mind
Nor de hatred o’ my kind;
Purer far, I ken,
Dan de love o’ men.
E’en when welcome deat’
Claims dis painful breat’,
Of you I will ever think
Who first gave me crystal drink;
E’en when welcome deat’
Claims dis painful breat’,
For a little while
I must leave your smile:
Raindrops fallin’ from de sky
Force me now to say good-bye;
Jes’ lee bit o’ while
I must leave your smile.
Foamin’ Sukee River,
Dearer now dan ever,
I’ll ne’er roam from you again
To a life o’ so-so pain,
Crystal flowin’ river,
Dearer now dan ever.
