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The Nova Scotia Song (Farewell to Nova Scotia) - 2​:​18

from The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents: Songs of the Sea by Varouos tradition bearers and informants

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Walter Roast, East Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, 1943 The first field recording of what has become Nova Scotia's most recognized folksong, recorded by many artists over the years.

lyrics

Nova Scotia Song - Walter Roast [2:18]
AC: 2223 - MF NO: 289.31

Recorded: East Chezzetcook, 1943. See: TSNS p. 264.

Farewell to Nova Scotia the sea bound coast,
Let your mountains dark and dreary be,
For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed,
Will you ever heave a sigh and a wish for me?

The sun was sinking in the west,
The birds were singing on every tree,
All nature seemed inclined for a rest,
But still there was no rest for me.

I grieve to leave my native land,
I grieve to leave my comrades all,
And my aged parents who I’ve always held so dear,
And the bonny, bonny lassie I do adore.

The drums they do beat and the war do alarm,
The captain called, we must obey,
So farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia’s charms,
For it’s early in the morning I’m far, far away.

I had three brothers, they are laid at rest,
Their arms are folded on their breast,
But a poor simple sailor just like me,
Must be tossed and driven on the dark blue sea.

credits

from The Helen Creighton Folklore Society Presents: Songs of the Sea, released May 24, 2023

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Helen Creighton Folklore Society Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Honoring folklorist Helen Creighton (1899-1989), who collected and published traditional music and lore of Maritime Canada. The mandate of the Helen Creighton Folklore Society is to encourage and promote work that reflects the diverse folk culture of the Maritimes as exemplified by the work begun by Dr. Creighton. For more information visit our website at: www.helencreighton.org. ... more

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