The above was the English carol. The following is part of a Negro folk song, from Lomax and Lomax, American Ballads and Folk Songs, p. 583-584.
Lyr. Add: DIVES AND LAZARUS
Wi' his purple an' linen, too, Ring dat big bell; Don't keer what sort-a rags for you, Ring dat big bell; Dine sumptious ev'y day, Ring dat big bell; Tell Laz'us go away.
Chorus: Ring-a dat big bell, Dat bigges' big one! Tell-a me whut he done done Way down in Hell!
Laz'us lay outside, Ring-a dat big bell; Dogs lick his so' side, Ring-a dat big bell; But when he bof die, Ring-a dat big bell, Laz'us he even up-high.
Rich man I hears folks tell, Ring-a dat big bell, Dropped into lownes' hell, Ring-a dat big bell; Laz'us lay close an' fast, Ring-a dat big bell, In Ab'ham's breas' at last.