Joe Bowers (song)

Its lyrics detail the protagonist, Joe Bowers, traveling to California from Pike County, Missouri in order to finance a home for his bride-to-be, Sally Black, though she eventually marries another man.

The song was one of the most popular of its time, being a particular favorite among Confederates during the American Civil War, and still retaining relevance throughout the late 19th and early 20th century.

Says she to me, "Joe Bowers, You are the chap to win, So give me a kiss to seal the bargain," And I throwed a dozen in.

At length I went to mining, Put in my heaviest licks, Came down upon the boulders Just like a thousand bricks.

I made a very lucky strike, As the gold itself did tell, For I was working for my Sally, The girl I loved so well.