HEAVEN BELL A-RING

My Lord, my Lord, what shall I do?
An' a Heaven bell a-ring and praise God.

What shall I do for a hiding place?
An' a Heaven bell a-ring and praise God.

I run to de sea, but de sea run dry, etc.

I run to de gate, but de gate shut fast, etc.

No hiding place for sinner dere, etc.

Say you when you get to Heaven say you 'member me, etc.

Remember me, poor fallen soul, etc.

Say when you get to Heaven say your work shall prove, etc

Your righteous Lord shall prove 'em well, etc.

Your righteous Lord shall find you out, etc.

He cast out none dat come by faith, etc.

You look to de Lord wid a tender heart, etc.

I wonder where poor Monday dere, etc.

For I am gone and sent to Hell, etc.

We must harkee what de worldly say, etc.

Say Christmas come but once a year, etc.

Say Sunday come but once a week, etc.

Vars.
Timmy, Timmy, orphan boy, etc.
Robert, Robert, orphan child, etc.

Spiritual used as one of the "fast" rowing songs, (above the average of 24 strokes per minute?) according to the arranger, C. P. Ware. New verse lines probably came out every time this song was used. Also used as a "shout."
W. F. Allen, Slave Songs of the United States, 1867, # 27, Port Royal Islands (near Beaufort, SC).
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