| Play/Download Music File John Renfro Davis |
|
|
|
|
| This tune was originally an English
broadside ballad. It appeared in the Pepys Ballads, Volume 4, (mid 1600s). Those lyrics began "Give ear unto a Maid, That lately was betray'd."
Many colonists came to America as indentured servants, working from three to seven years to pay for their passage. By 1625 forty percent of the population of Virginia (excluding Native Americans) were indentured servants. Prior to the Revolutionary War it is estimated nearly half of the white population of Philadelphia had at one time in their lives been bonded servants. After the Revolutionary War fewer people came as indentured servants and the practice died out by 1800. |
Five years served I, under Master Guy, In the land of Virginny-o Which made me for to know sorrow, grief and woe, When that I was weary, weary, weary-o. When my dame says go, then I must do so, In the land of Virginny-o, When she sits at meat, then I have none to eat, When that I was weary, weary, weary-o. As soon as it is day, to work I must away, In the land of Virginny-o Then my dame she knocks, with her tinder box, When that I was weary, weary, weary-o. I have played my part, both at plow and cart, In the land of Virginny-o Billets from the wood upon my back they load, When that I was weary, weary, weary-o. A thousand woes beside, that I do here abide, In the land of Virginny-o In misery I spend my time that hath no end, When that I was weary, weary, weary-o. |
Related Links
|
|
|
From Colonial and Revolution Songbook See Bibliography for full information. And Bruce Olsen's Roots of Folk Website |
|