<P> `` Carry Me Back to Old Virginny '' is a song which was written by James A. Bland ( 1854 -- 1911 ) , an African American who wrote over 700 songs . It is not an adaption by Bland of the `` Carry Me Back to Old Virginia '' by the Christy Minstrels , also known by the title ; `` Floating Scow of Old Virginny '' , a song copyrighted by Edwin Pearce Christy in 1847 . Bland simply appropriated the song title . Bland 's song bears no resemblance to it melodically , harmonically , or in the lyrics ( except that both songs are minstrel songs ) . The latter song was very popular during the California gold rush and the American Civil War . Many parodies were written on this melody and became popular with miners , Civil War soldiers and civilians . Bland 's version , the best known , was written in 1878 when many newly - freed slaves were struggling to find work . The song has become controversial in modern times , with critics viewing the lyrics as racially insensitive . </P>
<P> `` Carry Me Back to Old Virginny '' is a song which was written by James A. Bland ( 1854 -- 1911 ) , an African American who wrote over 700 songs . It is not an adaption by Bland of the `` Carry Me Back to Old Virginia '' by the Christy Minstrels , also known by the title ; `` Floating Scow of Old Virginny '' , a song copyrighted by Edwin Pearce Christy in 1847 . Bland simply appropriated the song title . Bland 's song bears no resemblance to it melodically , harmonically , or in the lyrics ( except that both songs are minstrel songs ) . The latter song was very popular during the California gold rush and the American Civil War . Many parodies were written on this melody and became popular with miners , Civil War soldiers and civilians . Bland 's version , the best known , was written in 1878 when many newly - freed slaves were struggling to find work . The song has become controversial in modern times , with critics viewing the lyrics as racially insensitive . </P>
who wrote the song carry me back to old virginny
who wrote the song carry me back to old virginny
James A. Bland
James A. Bland