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