Down in the marshes of the Christeen creek
Lives a littel reed bird on which I sneak,
She is so fat that she looks right short
But when she flies she is real good sport.
Rachel! Rachel! why don't you run?
Don't you know, Rachel, I carry a gun?
Rachel! Rachel! I love you the most,
If I could get you how you would toast!

She has a nest on the Christeen creek;
Come to it softly and don't you speak!
Down in the reeds on the flood tide bog
I have a skiff and a pointer dog.
Rachel! Rachel! why don't you fly?
When he sees Rachel the dog points shy.
Rachel! Rachel! I tremble, too,
Loading my heart in my gun for you!

Soft are the stars in the Christeen creek
When in the evening my bird I seek,
Plump is her breast in her yellow gown
Soft is her plumage as reed bird down.
Rachel! Rachel! why don't you tweet?
When you know, Rachel, I could you eat?
Rachel! Rachel! for you I gun,
I have my bag full when you are won!

Like thorn hedges by the Christeen creek
Tinted with red is my reed bird's cheek,
Trim as the hedge tops her father clips
Are the soft lines to my sweet bird's lips.
Rachel! Rachel! why don't you come?
Let me take Rachel to my own home!
Rachel! Rachel! thou fat marsh chick,
How for my supper thy plushing would pick!

Fall comes fast on the Christeen creek;
Soon I must migrate unless thou speak:
Dear little Quaker of frost bethink!
I will be gone with the Bob-o-link.
Rachel! Rachel! why don't you wed?
Winter, my Rachel! in my marsh bed!
Rachel! Rachel! the wind blows bleak,
Fly to my boat on the Christeen creek!