On de floating scow ob ole Virginny, I've worked from day to day, Raking among de oyster beds, To me it was but play; But now I'm old and feeble, An' my bones are getting sore, Den carry me back to ole Virginny To ole Virginny shore.
CHORUS: Den carry me back to ole Virginny To ole Virginny shore, Oh, carry me back to ole Virginny, To ole Virginny shore.
Oh, I wish dat I was young again, Den 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, And I cannot love any more, Oh, carry me back to ole Virginny, To ole Virginny shore.
When I am dead and gone to roost, Lay de old tambo by my side, Let de possum and coon to my funeral go, For dey are my only pride; Den in soft repose, I'll take my sleep, An' I'll dream for ever more, Dat you're carrying me back to ole Virginny, To ole Virginny shore.