THE BALLAD OF MINNIE DEAN
As recorded by Helen Henderson on "The Sonora Sessions" (2000)

1. She dressed in black and she carried a hat
In a hat box when early to the station she came,
And on her way back, she'd always wear the hat;
Invercargill to Winton, on the 5 o'clock train.

CHORUS: Minnie Dean, Minnie Dean, she's gonna getcha
And take you away on the afternoon train.
Oh, you'd better be good or Minnie Dean's gonna getcha.
You'll never, ever be heard of again.

2. She was so sweet and gracious to the girls and the ladies.
A home for their babies she said she'd provide.
It was all done in private and money was provided
As she wrapped up their little ones and took them away. CHORUS

BRIDGE. Here lie the children nobody wanted.
Minnie died for her sins and the people they cried.
They cried for themselves and they cried for the children.
They cried for Minnie and for closing their eyes.

INSTRUMENTAL VERSE, CHORUS

3. She dressed in black and she carried a hat
In a hat box when early to the courthouse she came.
"Judge, I'm innocent," she said. "The children up and disappeared.
The got lost in the garden; they crawled under the bed."

CHORUS TWICE FOLLOWED BY:
No, you'll never be heard of again.