“The Waggoner”
Description
"September last, on the seventh day, I geared my team to start away, To the South Yadkin...." The singer describes his route, talks of the cold and difficulties of the trip, and happily recounts his arrival
Notes
Belden believes this piece tells of travel across the Appalachians, which, given the geography, makes sense. The initial line and the meter seem to imply acquaintance with "The Heights of Alma" (though in this case the song is rather worn down). That is a rather late date for such a piece. This may be further evidence of the "proto-Alma" song.
Roud for some reason lumps this with the Lomax "Ox-Driving Song." The only thing I can see in common is that they both involve travel. - RBW
Cross references
- cf. "The Heights of Alma (I) [Laws J10]" (meter, lyrics)
References
- Belden, pp. 300-301, "The Waggoner" (1 text)
- Roud #3584
- BI, Beld300