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When first unto this country a stranger I came, |
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And I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name. |
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I courted her for love and her love I didn't obtain; |
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Do you think I've any reason or right to complain? |
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I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both night and day, |
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Till I noticed a stallion both white-looking and gray. |
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The sheriff's men had followed and they'd overtaken me, |
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And they carted me away to the penitentiary. |
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They opened the door and then they shoved me in, |
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And they shaved off my head and then they cleared off my chin. |
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They beat me and they banged me and they fed me dry beans, |
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Till I wished to my own heart I'd never been a thief. |
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With my hands all in my pockets, my cap set on so bold, |
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And my coat of all colors like Jacob's of old. |
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(Repeat first verse) |
