A popular song from 1913
Words by Jean C. Havez
Music by George Botsford
The sheet music:
Lyrics
1. Round the bend I see the steamer comin’, dear
Headin’ here, to this pier
If you hurry we will make it, never fear
On the old Dominion, Line
Ain’t she sailing pretty as she hugs the shore
Steamin’ for Baltimore
Hear the paddles turnin’, hear the water churnin’
She’s the queen of Chesapeake Bay
CHORUS
Come on Nancy, put your best dress on
Come on Nancy, ‘fore the steamboat’s gone
Everything is lovely on the Chesapeake Bay
All aboard for Baltimore
And if we’re late they’ll all be sore
Now look here Captain, let us catch that boat
We can’t swim and listen, we can’t float
Darkies hummin’ a good old tune
Up on deck, is the place to spoon
Cuddle up close, beneath the silvery moon
Sailing down the Chesapeake Bay
2. Hurry, dear, the steamer ain’t a mile away
Down the bay, on her way
See the smoke a-pourin’ from her funnels gay
Honey ain’t that picture grand
Put your bib and tucker on and come with me
Sights we’ll see, you’ll agree
Hear the darkies humming’ while the steamer’s comin’
She’s the Belle of Chesapeake Bay