Greenback dollars were a form of currency that came to fruition during the Civil War. Before the greenbacks, gold and silver were the only official currencies. Greenback dollars came in two forms, Demand Notes (1861-1862) and United States Notes (’62-’65). The greenbacks went onto finance 15% of the war while simultaneously raising inflation 14% in 1862 & a staggering 25% in ’63 & ’64. This inflation spike led to reduced welfare in the country while making important resources and war materials more expensive to produce.
The emergency bills were not backed by gold during their print, and their intricate designs with unique identifying numbers and studded borders limited the potential for counterfeiting, a common issue with the Continentals issued during the Revolution. The newly formed Secret Service assisted in keeping counterfeiting at a low. The greenbacks directly inspired the paper-bill currency we still use today. Many believe The Wizard Of Oz (L. Frank Baum) was an allegory with characters representing different tropes of the American class, with the yellow brick road symbolizing gold, and the Emerald Tower being greenback bills.
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[Chorus Start] I don't want your greenback dollar I don't want your watch and chain All I want is your heart, darling Won't you take me back again? [Chorus End] Mama says "we cannot marry” Papa said "it'd never do” If you ever say you want me I will run away with you [Chorus] I'd rather be in some dark hollow Where the sun don't ever shine Than to see you with another And know you never can be mine [Chorus]
Today we compile the Ozark Mountain Trio composition of Greenback Dollar, which is a modge-podge of Clarence Ashley’s 1933 Greenback Dollar and Bill Browning’s 1958 Dark Hollow. The last verse before the chorus “I’d rather be in some dark hollow..” are taken from The Dead while the rest can be accredited to Clarence Ashley. Similar lyrics can be found in the traditional song “Old Virginny”. This composition is unique in the myriad of renditions available and extant of this old American traditional song. Listen to our upload below.