[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A 1851 popular song
Words and music by Stephen C. Foster
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Werner Tomaschewski:
Lyrics
1. Oh! carry me ’long
Der’s no more trouble for me
I’s guine to roam in a happy home
Where all de niggas am free
I’ve worked long in de fields
I’ve handled many a hoe
I’ll turn my eye before I die
And see de sugarcane grow
Chorus
Oh! boys, carry me ’long
Carry me till I die
Carry me down
To de buryin’ groun’
Massa, don’t you cry
2. All ober de land
I’ve wandered many a day
To blow de horn and mind the corn
And keep de possum away
No use for me now
So darkeys bury me low
My horn is dry and I must lie
Wha de possum nebber can go
3. Farewell to de boys
Wid hearts so happy and light
Dey sings a song de whole day long
And dance de juba at night
Farewell to de fields
Ob cotton, ’bacco, and all
I’s guine to hoe in a bressed row
Wha de corn grows mellow and tall
4. Farewell to de hills
De meadows covered wid green
Old brindle Boss and de old grey hoss
All beaten, broken, and lean
Farewell to de dog
Dat always followed me round
Old Sancho’ll wail and droop his tail
When I am under de ground
Sung here by Fred Feild: