On one summer's day, sun was shining fine.
The lady love of old Bill Bailey was hanging clothes
On de line in her back yard and weeping hard.
She married a B. and O. brakeman,
Dat took and throw'd her down.
Bellering like a prune-fed calf wid a big gang hangin' 'round.
And to dat crowd, she yelled out loud:
Won't you come home, Bill Bailey, won't you come home
She moans the whole day long
I'll do de cooking, darling I'll pay de rent
I knows I've done you wrong
Member dat rainy eve dat I drove you out
Wid nothin' but a fine tooth comb
I knows I'se to blame, well, ain't dat a shame
Bill Bailey, won't you please come home