LITTLE MOSES is gospel ballad about story of Moses harmonized by G.R. Street circa 1871. The lyrics are traditional.

Collected by Belden as "Moses in the Bulrushes" in 1905. Randolph 662, "Little Moses" has 1 text. "By the Side of a River" is another title. If anyone has the Belden lyrics please post for comparison.

LITTLE MOSES- Carter Family 1929

Away by the river so clear, the ladies were winding their way
And Pharaoh's little daughter stepped down in the water
To bathe in the cool of the day

    Before it was dark she opened the ark
    And found the sweet infant was there
    Before it was dark she opened the ark
    And found the sweet infant was there

And away by the river so blue, the infant was lonely and sad
She took him in pity and thought him so pretty
And it made little Moses so glad

    She called him her own, her beautiful son
    And sent for a nurse that was near
    She called him her own, her beautiful son
    And sent for a nurse that was near
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

And away by the river so clear, they carried the beautiful child
To his own tender mother, his sister and brother
Little Moses looked happy and smiled

    His mother so good done all that she could
    To rear him and teach him with care
    His mother so good done all that she could
    To rear him and teach him with care
      [INSTRUMENTAL BREAK]

And away by the sea that was red, little Moses, the servant of God
While in him confided the sea was divided
As upward he lifted his rod

    The Jews they could cross while Pharaoh's host
    Was drowned in the waters and lost
    The Jews they could cross while Pharaoh's host
    Was drowned in the waters and lost

And away on the mountain so high, the last one that ever might see
While in his victorious, his hope was most glorious
He'd soon o'er the Jordan be free

    When his labors did cease he parted in peace
    And rested in the heavens above
    When his labors did cease he parted in peace
    And rested in the heavens above