was pleased with those who had been in the wilderness,' he would send rain.” Mr. Tomlinson says that the song always ends with a laugh, and appears therefore to be regarded by the negroes as mere nonsense. He adds that when it is used as a rowing tune, at the words "Rack back holy !" one rower reaches over back and slaps the man behind him, who in turn does the same, and so on.] March on, member, Bound to go; Been to de ferry, Bound to go; Left St. Helena, Bound to go; Brudder, fare you well. 垂 I build my house up on a rock, O yes, Lord! No wind nor storm shall blow dem down, O yes, Lord! March on, member, Bound to go; March on, member, Bound to go; 3 I wonder where my mudder deh (there). 6 Michael boat a music boat. 7 Gabriel blow de trumpet horn. 8 O you mind your boastin' talk. 9 Boastin' talk will sink your soul. 10 Brudder, lend a helpin' hand. 11 Sister, help for trim dat boat. 12 Jordan stream is wide and deep. 13 Jesus stand on t' oder side. 14 I wonder if my maussa deh. 15 My fader gone to unknown land. 16 O de Lord he plant his garden deh. [Col. Higginson gives the following stanzas, of which the above seems to be a part; but unfortunately he is unable to identify the music, which is well described by the terms in which he speaks of the words-“ “very graceful and lyrical, and with more variety of rhythm than usual:" "Bow low, Mary, bow low, Martha, For Jesus come and lock de door, Sail, sail, over yonder, And view de promised land, For Jesus come, &c. Weep, O Mary, bow low, Martha, Sail, sail, my true believer; Sail, sail, over yonder; Mary, bow low, Martha, bow low, For Jesus come and lock de door, 3 If you touch one string, den de whole heaven ring. 4 0 the great cherubim, O de cherubim above. 5 O believer, ain't you glad dat your soul is converted? [This hymn-words and melody--bears all the marks of white origin. We have not, however, been able to find it in any hymn-book, and therefore retain it, as being a favorite at Port Royal.] |