The Ballad Of Eleanor Cecilia Bailly Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Oh lord, Eleanor Cecilia Bailly —
Don't let them take the Ottawa out
Your hair, your fire, your brown skin
All covered in black and white

I knew your mother, face like a prayer
They used to call her "the lily of the lakes."
Now she's a Christian, but she still wears her hair
Tied up in a braid all hanging down her back

[Verse 2]
November 1841
You left all your suitors behind
They cried, Oh Eleanor, don't give it away!
But you went off to marry the Lord

I knew your father, a strong-minded man
He traded furs up in Canada
Now he's a missionary but his hands Still bear the scars of a pioneer

[Verse 3]
Mother Mary, so many sullen faces around
They don't know quite what to do with you
Delighted or indignant? they can't make up their mind
So you go upstairs and shut the door

You were a lady, for whatever that's worth
They used to call you "the belle of Detroit."
Now you're a mother who never gave birth
And a nurturing hand is not foremost in your mind

[Outro]
Oh lord, Eleanor Cecilia Bailly —
Don't let them take the Ottawa out
Your hair, your fire, your brown skin
All covered in black and white

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