Today, I stumbled across these lyrics with same tune. No songwriter information, no background information. There's a recording of the song here (click). I can't find it through any other source.


THE SLAVE MOTHER'S LAMENT

Long, long ago.
Where are my babes that to me were so dear,
Long long ago, long ago?
Where is the voice that my heart used to cheer,
Long long ago, long ago?
Children I loved are torn from my breast,
My poor broken heart cannot be at rest, My lot here below,
O it never was blest,
Long long ago, long ago.

In sadness and woe I have shed many tears,
Long long ago, long ago;
Time has roll'd heavy to mock all my fears--
Long long ago, long ago.
As I've looked back on the days of my grief,
I asked, is there not for the poor slave relief
If not I have prayed that my life might be brief!
Long long ago, long ago.

In the days of my youth I have wept and I've pray'd
Long long ago, long ago;
I have hoped the oppressor's arm might be stay'd
Long long ago, long ago?
O am I deceived--must I die in despair?
Will heaven ne'er send a relief to my prayer?
Which in agony deep has pierced to the air!
Long long ago, long ago.

Source: Stacy's Songster.
Hopedale, MA: Community Press, 1844.