When First Unto This Country / Folk Song / Wood Top Banjo

When First Unto This Country - lyrics
Traditional folk song
Performed on a wood top banjo in the clawhammer style

When first unto this country a stranger I came,
I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name.

I courted her for love, and her love I didnt obtain,
Can you think I've any reason or right to complain.

I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both day and night,
I courted dearest Nancy, my own heart's true delight.

I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both night and day,
I stole a fine stallion from Captain Charles Grey {Till I stole a fine grey horse, from Captain William White)

The sheriff's men had followed and overtaken me,
They carted me away to the penitentiary.

They opened up the door and then they shoved me in,
They cleared off my head and they shaved off my chin.

They beat me and they banged me and they fed me on dry beans,
Till I wished to my own soul, I'd never been a thief.

With my hands in my pockets and my cap put on so bold,
With my coat of many colors, like Jacob of old.

When first unto this country a stranger I came,
I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name.