- Written by
- James A. Bland
- Composition date
- 1878
- Language
- English
- ISWC
-
T-913.147.814-3 ISWC
- Comments
-
Bland was a black Northerner who wrote this song from a freed slave's perspective about wanting to go back home to Virginia. It was Virginia's state song from 1940 until 1997, until the lyrical content became too controversial.
Carry me back yeah to old Virginny
That's where the cotton and corn and taters grow
That's where the birds yeah warble sweet in the spring-time
That's where this heart of mine, yeah longs to go
I'm not afraid, come on and carry me back to old Virginny
There let me live till I wither and decay
Long by the old Dismal Swamp have I wandered
That's where this life of mine will pass away
Well let me tell you, mother and father have gone before me
And I know, soon we will meet on that bright and golden shore
Uhmm we will be happy and free from all sorrow
And there we'll meet, and part no more
Note: There is an 1847 song with a similar title, "Carry Me Back to Old Virginia," but with different lyrics and melody that was performed by E.P. Christy (of Christy's Minstrels) (and was about a boat). (See attached lyrics) - Licensing
- Request a synchronization license
