My information comes from the Hans Nathan Book, where he says, in talking about the intercourse between slave and white society, "resulted a blend of European and primitive melodic styles, of which the earliest known to us is an 18th Century "Negroe Jig", probably of the British colonies in the New World. It (Pomey Ran Away) consists of English and Scottish folk song elements, but the frequent reiteration of a short-winded motive is the contribution of a slave".

Ian--

It's a small world. I learned "Pompey Ran Away" this weekend and have been playing it ever since. It's a fun little tune. I learned it from a CD by Carson Hudson, Jr. called "I Come From Old Virginny!"

He attributes the tune to "A Selection of Scotch, English, and Foreign Airs" , published in 1782. The subtitle for the tune is "A Negro Jig (Virginia). Bob Carlin has also recorded a similar tune with the same name, But I much prefer this version.

That song is considered contraband in my house. The internal repetition within the song which makes its it so fun to hear and play is why Mrs. Silas won't let me play it. When I play other songs with much internal repetition like De Glendy Burke, Rose of Alabama or Nelly Gray and when I receive a hint it's time to play something else, I often threaten to play "That Pompey song." That changes the subject well enough to get me out of hot water.

Since I don't get to play Pompey Run Away regularly, it's not one of those songs I can play without looking at the tabs. It's sad because I really like the song. However, when it comes to playing some song verses staying married, I choose marriage.

At least when Mrs. Silas is around.

- Silas