"Massa's in de Cold Ground"

[at top, music, two ruled staves with melody and rudimentary harmony for
two phrases of chorus, the second of which Foster did not use in his
published version of the song]
Down in de corn field hear dat doleful sigh All de darkeys
Weeping becayse old massa die

Den de meadow lark was swinging
 On the bended thong
Den de mocking bird was singing
 Happy as de day was long

We'll weep to day, but if tomorrow
 De tear drops still should flow
 de
We'll try to drive away our sorrow
 Pickin on de old banjo