It痴 four long years since I reached this land
In search of gold among the rocks and sand,
And yet I知 poor when the truth is told,
I知 a lousy miner,
I知 a lousy miner in search of shining gold.

O land of gold, you did me deceive,
And I intend you my bones to leave,
So farewell home, now my friends grow cold,
I知 a lousy miner,
I知 a lousy miner, in search of shining gold.

Folk song, 1850s
 

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Bowie knife
c. 1850
Autry Museum of Western Heritage
Los Angeles