Oh my darling, oh my darling
Oh my darling, Clementine
You are lost and gone forever
Dreadful sorry, Clementine
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
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
Drove she ducklings to the water
Every 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
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
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
Many people are familiar with the general tone and chorus of Clementine, but perhaps not the rest of the tune. This song has some adult themes, but it could be appropriate depending on the historical period you’re studying or a particular camping trip you’re on. You can even tie in the importance of water saftey! I’d choose this song for older boys and make sure to have printed song sheets for them to read.
Enjoy this classic American campfire song at your next Den meeting or Pack camp out! For more great ideas, check out our Scout song list.
Use this song to fulfill one of the following Cub Scout Adventure requirements:
- Tiger
- Tiger Tales #6: Sing two folk songs.