Yearbook Committee - 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