Teach Our Baby That I'm Dead - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
Teach Our Baby that I'm Dead. Copyright, 1897, by Frank K. Root & Co. 
Words by Wm. H. Windom. Music by Still R. Hareourt. 
With tearful eyes a mother stood before a prison cell. And in her arms she tightly clasp'd her baby to her heart; Her husband is a convict now, she came to say farewell, Ere from her side for years he must depart. Me took her hand so tenderly, and begged her not to weep; "Don't grieve, my love," he said, "while I'm away." He look'd upon their little child, who smil'd in peaceful sleep, And then in anguish to his wife did say: 
Refrain. "Teach our baby that I'm dead, and never, never let it know The dark disgrace I've brought to you, promise me before you go. God above will care for you -oh, blame me not, my own," he said, "And when our baby asks for me, teach the little one I'm dead." 
To save another I did wrong, and now to prison go; I took the money from the bank- 'twas wrong, I know, 'tis true; I thought I could replace it soon, and none would ever know, I never dream'd I'd bring disgrace to you. The parting moment came at last, he bade them both good-by. Her youthful heart was broken with despair, And as she turned to go away, his tears of anguish fell, Again these words he sadly uttered there: - Refrain.