[WARNING: This song contains antiquated racial stereotypes. It is presented here for historical and educational purposes only.]
A popular song from 1844
Words by Andrew Evans
Music – anonymous
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by Benjamin R. Tubb:
Lyrics
- Oh, I was born in ole Virginny
And my little gal’s name was Dine;
She always called me a prettier nigger
than Dandy Jim ob Caroline.
CHORUS [after each verse]
My rafts by the shore, she’s light and free,
To be a jolly raftsman is the life for me;
And as we glide along, our song shall be,
Dearest Dinah, I love but thee.
- Come, oh, come wid me my dearest lub,
I’ll take you to the Northern states,
And you shall keep de oyster celler,
Oh! you shall hurry up dem cakes. - I’ll bid good bye to ole Virginny,
I now will take my last farewell;
And if I marry you, my dearest Dine,
We will in peace and happiness dwell