A 1847 popular song.
Also known as “De Floating Scow of Ole Virginny”.
Composed, Arranged & Sung by Charles White
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- De floating scow ob ole Virginia
Dat I worked from day to day
A raking ‘mong de oyster beds
To me it was but play.
Chorus
But now I’m old and feeble too,
I cannot work any more.
||: Oh carry me back to ole Virginia,
To ole Virginia shore. :||
- O, if I was but young again,
I would lead a different life,
And I’d save money, and buy a farm,
And take Dina for my wife;
Chorus
But now old age, he holds me tight
And my limbs are growing sore,
||: Den carry me back to ole Virginia,
To ole Virginia shore. :||
- Oh, when I’m dead and gone to rest,
Lay de ole banjo by my side
Let de Possum an de coon to de funeral go,
Fur dey was my only pride;
Chorus
Den in soft repose I take my sleep,
And I’ll dream for eber more,
||: Dat carrying back to ole Virginia,
To ole Virginia shore. :||