Folk and Traditional Song Lyrics:
Emigrant From Newfoundland

The Emigrant From Newfoundland

The Emigrant From Newfoundland

Dear Newfoundland, have I got to leave you
To seek employment in a foreign land?
Forced from our nation by cruel taxation,
I now must leave you dear Newfoundland.

Your rocky mountains, your hills and meadows
Where oft I played on a summer's day;
Where merry parties and happy picnics
Are passed from view with the boys that play.

Where oft in spring on a pleasant evening
To the blockhouse go, or the Battery stand,
Where crowds stand eager to watch the sailors
Come in the narrows of Newfoundland.

And our grand regatta at Quidi Vidi,
I long to see in my native place,
With the hawk and Myrtle and the Lady Glover
And the dear old native in the tradesmen's race.

All decked in bunting no more I'll see you,
Although it's years since I took my stand
'Neath the greasy pole or the wheel of fortune
On regatta day in dear Newfoundland.

Dear Newfoundland with your fisheries failing,
Your sons and daughters must leave home each fall;
Forced by poverty and cruel taxation
To the shores of Boston are home for all.

Although with friends I feel sad at parting,
My aged parents on the pier will stand
To bid farewell to their sons and daughters
Who now must leave you, dear Newfoundland.

So keep your sons and your fairest daughters
Employed here at home on your shores so grand.
May the present generation adorn your nation
Is the prayer of an emigrant from Newfoundland.

CFB V3 1 p10, with corrections
AJS
apr97