Oh hard is the fortune of all womankind
They're always controlled; they're always confined
Controlled by their parents until they are wives
Then slaves to their husbands the rest of their lives

I've been a poor girl; my fortune is sad
I've always been courted by the Wagoner's Lad
He courted me daily, by night and by day
And now he is loaded and going away

"Your parents don't like me because I am poor
They say I'm not worthy of entering your door
I work for my living; my money's my own
And if they don't like me, they can leave me alone"

"Your horses are hungry; go feed them some hay
Come sit down here by me as long as you stay"
"My horses ain't hungry; they won't eat your hay
So fare you well, darling; I'll be on my way"

"Your wagon needs greasing; your whip is to mend
Come sit down her by me as long as you can"
"My wagon is greasy; my whip's in my hand
So fare you well darling, no longer to stand"