[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
(Also known as Carry Me Back To Ole Virginia)
A song from the early minstrel show days, 1847
Words and music by C. White and J. Sanford
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
1. De floating scow of ole Virginia
Dat I worked from day to day
A-raking ‘mong de oyster beds
To me it was but play
But now I’m old and feeble too
I cannot work anymore
Oh! carry me back to ole Virginia
To old Virginia shore
Oh! carry me back to ole Virginia
To old Virginia shore
2. 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
But now old age, he holds me tight
And my limbs are growing sore
Den carry back to ole Virginia
To Ole Virginia shore
Den carry back to ole Virginia
To Ole Virginia shore
3. 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
For dey was my only pride
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
Dat carrying back to ole Virginia
To ole Virginia shore
Sung here by Fred Feild: