“Oh My Darling, Clementine” is a traditional American folk song, usually credited to Percy Montrose (1884). According to the Western Writers of America it is one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time. The melody probably comes from an old Spanish ballad.
The song is about Clementine, the daughter of a miner in the 1849 California Gold Rush, who lost her life by drowning. In the beginning the song seems to be a lament of the singer for the loss of his lover – however, it turns out to be a parody.
On this page you can find lyrics, a printable lyrics PDF file for free download and a sing-along video of the song.
Table of Contents
- Printable Lyrics PDF
- The theme of the Oh My Darling Clementine lyrics
- Lyrics
- Sing-Along Video with Lyrics
Printable Lyrics PDF
Click on the button to download a PDF file with lyrics to this song for free.
The theme of the Oh My Darling Clementine lyrics
Originally a heartfelt lament, the song has morphed into a parody over the years. The character Clementine is depicted as a miner’s daughter from the 1849 California Gold Rush who tragically drowns. As the song unfolds, humorous elements emerge, such as references to Clementine’s exceptionally large feet, so large that she wears boxes instead of shoes.
The narrative takes a comedic turn when it is disclosed that her demise was due to a splinter in her toe—originally, this splinter was part of a timber used for mining support. Her fatal trip and subsequent drowning highlight the song’s shift towards humor. The song concludes on a light note, portraying that a single kiss from Clementine’s younger sister makes the singer quickly forget his sorrow.
Lyrics
1. In a cavern, in a canyon
Excavating for a mine
Dwelt a miner, forty-niner
And his daughter, Clementine
Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
2. Light she was and like a fairy
And her shoes were number nine
Herring boxes, without topses
Sandals were for Clementine
Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
3. Drove she ducklings to the water
Ev’ry morning just at nine
Hit her foot against a splinter
Fell into the foaming brine
Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
4. Ruby lips above the water
Blowing bubbles, soft and fine
But, alas, I was no swimmer
So I lost my Clementine
Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
5. How I missed her! How I missed her
How I missed my Clementine
But I kissed her little sister
I forgot my Clementine
Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
Sing-Along Video with Lyrics
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