Apparently the song went through a lot of folk-processing between this publication and Macon's recording:

From the sheet music at The Library of Congress:


CHILDREN DON'T GET WEARY
"Plantation song and chorus sung with great success by all the minstrels"
Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1877.

1. Oh, see dat angel band; dar calling me away.
I ain't got time to tarry; just hear dat trumpet play.
When de sun comes up de medder, we rise just like de lark,
And work till ebening shadder, den dance long after dark!

CHORUS: Oh, don't get weary; children, don't get weary.
Don't get weary; we ain't got long to stay!

2. We'll hoe no more de corn; de blessed time hab come.
We'll leave de fields ob cotton, and float to yonder home.
Oh, we'll nebber mind de tempest; de sunshine's bound to fall.
Dere's rest for ebbery darkey, and glory too, for all!

3. Den come and join de band; de train am on de way.
Just hear de whistle blowing; we ain't got long to stay.
Whar de silber sand am shining, on de wings ob glory bright,
We'll meet you in de morning, all beaming wid delight!


Nearly identical lyrics appear with a different title published 7 years earlier, and can be seen in The Levy Collection:

OH! SEE THAT ANGEL BAND
Plantation Song and Chorus
Music by C. E. Pratt.
Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1870.