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When First Unto This Country

by Peggy Seeger

on Songs of Courting and Complaint (1955)

When first unto this country a stranger I came
I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name
I courted her for love, her love I didn't obtain
Do 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
Till I noticed a stallion, both white looking and gray

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 shaved off my head and they cleared off my chin

They beat me and they banged me, they fed me on dry beans
'Til I wished to my own heart I'd never been a thief
With my hands in my pockets, my cap set on so bold
And my coat of all colors like Jacob's of old

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