When First Unto This Country

Traditional

Kiss Stadium, Budapest, Hungary - 12.jun.1991  

When first unto this country
A stranger i came.
I courted a fair maid
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 rode to see my Nancy
My own heart's true delight.

I rode to see my Nancy
I rode both night and day
'Til i spied a fine grey horse
Belonging to Captain Grey.

The sheriff's men they followed
And overtaken me.
Then they caught 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 soul
I'd never been a thief.

They opened up the door
And then they threw me in
They shaved off my hair
And they cleared off my chin.

With my hands hold in my pockets
And my cap set on so bold
And my coat of many colors
Like Joseph's of old.

When first unto this country
A stranger i came.
I courted a fair maid
And Nancy was her name.