When First Unto This Country Songtext
von David Bromberg

When first unto this country a stranger I came
I courted a fair maid, Nancy was her name
Well, I courted her for love, but her love I couldn′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 rode for my Nancy, my own heart′s true delight
I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both night and day
Till I came upon a grey horse
Both complete and gay


But the sheriff's men had followed and overtaken me
And they carted me away to the penitentiary
They beat me and they banged me, and they fed me on dry beans
'Til I wished to my own heart that I′d never been a thief

With my hands all in my pockets and my cap set on so bold
And my coat of many colors like Jacob′s of old

When first unto this country a stranger I came
I courted a fair maid, Nancy was her name
I courted her for love, but her love I couldn't obtain
Do you think I′ve any reason or right to complain