Where Is My Own Love Kate - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
Where Is My Own Love Kate? Copyright, 1893, by A. M. Hall. Words by H. W. Belong. Music by A. M. Hall. 
De moon am a-shinin' on de big bayou, De'gator is a-boomin' to his mate, De corn tassels shiver de long rows through, And eberything is whisperin of Kate. She promised dat she'd meet me right here on de shore, Where de big gum de water's surface shade, And I've watched a weary hour, in my dug-out canoe, For my Kate, my darling dusky maid. 
Chorus. Where has she wandered? where is my dear? She said dat she wouldn't make me wait: For to-night I'll tell my love, and ask her if she'll be My own wife, my true wife Kate. 
Anoder hour is gone an' she don't come, De moon am a-sinkin' o'er de trees, De shudders am a-crawlin' 'neath the big black gum, But I only hear de sighin' ob de breeze. I've listened for her footstep as light as any fawn's, For to-night I must surely know my fate. Oh, why do you linger when my heart is beating so, My own love, my dear love Katef- Chorus. 
What is dat afloatin' down de black bayou? I'll paddle out and see while I wait; It, looks like a body, it does, dat's true. O, Hebens! it is, and it's Kate. She must hab missed her footin' a-comin' to her love, And so met dis awful fate, But I'll join you in de stream, death shan't rob me of my sweet, Ober there you'll be my own dear Kate.- Chorus.