"De Floating Scow of Old Virginia" (20 Sep 1847)
Composed, Arranged
& Sung by
Charles White
The Celebrated
Black Apollo.

Philadelphia: Lee & Walker, 120 Walnut St.
Plate No. 309.2
[Source: 1847-430460@LoC]

1. 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. :|| 

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;

[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. :||

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,
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. :||