I was born in east Virginia

North Carolina I did roam

There I met a pretty fair maiden

Her name and age I do not know

Her hair it was of a brightsome color

And her lips of a ruby red

On her breast she wore white lilies

There I longed to lay my head


Well in my heart you are my darling

And at my door you're welcome in

At my gate I'll meet you my darling

If your love I could only win

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


Well in the night I'm dreaming about you

In the day I find no rest

Just the thought of you my darling

Sends aching pains all through my breast

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