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

Her hair, it was of a brightsome color

And her lips of ruby red

On her breast she wore withe lilies

There I long to lay my head

Well, in my heart you are, my darlin'

At my door you're welcome in

At my gate I'll meet you, my darlin'

If your love I could only win

I'd rather be in some dark holler

Where the sun refuse to shine

Than to see you be another man's darlin'

And to know that you'll never be mine

Well, in the night I'm dreamin' about you

In the day I find no rest

Just the thought of you, my darlin'

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, darlin'

Come and think on way you done