Digital Tradition Mirror

Seven Long Years

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Pennywhistle notation and Dulcimer tab for this song is also available

Seven Long Years

Seven long years I've been bound to my trade
In one more I'll be free,
I belong to that jovial crew,
And no one cares for me.
     I'll romp and I'll rove, and I'll call for my bode
     They may all say what they will;
     Resolved that I am, just as long as I can
     for to drink good liquor still

I have a good old father at home,
And I've cost him many a pound,
And now to make amends for this,
I'll travel the whole world round.
     I have a good old mother at home,
     I've caused her a many a tear,
     And now to make amends for this,
     I'll travel far and near.

I have a good little sister at home,
And she gave me a good piece of advice,
Said for me to stay with my kind old parents
And to marry me a pretty little wife.
     I have a good little sweetheart at home,
     She gave me a broad piece of gold;
     It'll neither buy me a house nor a home,
     Nor save my soul from hell;
     It'll only buy me a full flowing bowl,
     That the ladies may drink their fill.

From English Folk Songs in the Southern Appalachians, Sharp
Collected from Mrs. Moore, GA 1929
RG

Thanks to Mudcat for the Digital Tradition!