Carry Me Back to Old Virginia
(Alternately: The Floating Scow, or Carry Me Back to Ole Virginny)

For information on this song as part of the blackface minstrel tradition, please see
its page in The Juba Project's Minstrelsy Database.

Credits

Art Babayants, piano; Alison Jutzi, vocals; Dennis Patrick, sound technician.

Lyrics

Image c. British Library, all rights reserved. Further reproduction is prohibited

Verse 1
The floating scow of Old Virginny
I work’d in from day to day,
A fishing ‘mongst de oyster beds,
To me it was but play.
But now I’m growing very old,
I cannot work any more,
So carry me back to Old Virginny,
To Old Virginny’s shore.

Verse 2
If I was only young again,
I’d lead a different life;
I’d save my money; and buy a farm
And take Dinah for my wife.
But now old age, he holds me tight,
My limbs, dey are growing sore;
So take me back to Old Virginny,
To Old Virginny’s shore.

Verse 3
And when I’m dead and gone
Place this old banjo by my side;
Let the possum & coon to my funeral go,
For dey was always my pride.
And den in soft repose I’ll sleep,
And dream for ebermore
Dat you’ve carried me back to Old Virginny
To Old Virginny’s shore.

Chorus
Den carry me back to Old Virginny,
To Old Virginny’s shore,
Oh, carry me back to Old Virginny,
To Old Virginny’s shore.

Publication Information

Published by Jaques & Brother. 385 Broadway, New York.

British Library Shelf Number: H.1652.ss

Published: 1847