[Verse]
I was born in East Virginia
North Carolina I did roam
There I met a fair pretty maiden
Her name and age I do not know

[Verse]
Her hair it was of a brightsome color
And her lips of ruby red
On her breast she wore white lilies
There I longed to lay my head

[Verse]
Well, in my heart, you are my darling
At my door, you're welcome in
At my gate, I'll meet you, my darling
If your love I could only win

[Verse]
I'd rather be in some dark holler
Where the sun refused to shine
Than to see you be another man's darling
And to know that you'll never be mine

[Verse]
Well, in the night, I'm dreaming about you
In my day, I find no rest
Just the thought of you, my darling
Sends aching pains all through my breast
[Verse]
Well, when I'm dead and in my coffin
With my feet turned toward the sun
Come and sit beside me, darling
Come and think on the way you done