[Verse 1]
A Captain bold in Halifax
Who dwelt in country quarters
Betrayed a maid who hanged herself
One Monday by her garters
His wicked conscience smited him
He lost his stomach daily
He took to drinking ratafia
And thought upon Miss Bailey

[Chorus]
Oh, Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey

[Verse 2]
One night, betimes, he went to bed
For he had caught a fever
He said, "I am a handsome man
And I'm a gay deceiver"
His candle just at twelve o’clock
Began to burn quite palely
A ghost stepped up to his bedside
And said, "Behold! Miss Bailey"

[Chorus]
Oh, Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey
Oooooh!

[Verse 3]
"Avaunt, Miss Bailey!" then he cried
"You can't a-fright me really"
"Dear Captain Smith," the ghost replied
"You’ve used me ungenteelly!
The Coroner’s quest was hard with me
Because I've acted frailly
And Parson Biggs won't bury me
Though I'm a dead Miss Bailey"

[Chorus]
Oh, Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey

[Verse 4]
"Dear Ma'am," said he, "since you and I
Affairs must once for all close
I have a one pound note in my
Regimental small clothes
'Twill bribe the Parson for your grave"
The ghost then vanished gaily
Crying, "Bless you wicked Captain Smith!
And remember poor Miss Bailey"
[Chorus]
Oh, Miss Bailey
Unfortunate Miss Bailey