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 2
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 3
Well, in my heart you are my darlin',
At my door you are welcome in.
At my gate I'll meet you, my darlin';
If your love I could only win.
verse 4
I'd rather be in some dark holler
Where the sun refused to shine
Than to see you be another man's darlin
And to know that you'll never be mine.
Verse 5
Well, in the night I'm dreaming about you,
In the day I find no rest.
Just the thought of you, my darlin',
Sends aching pains all through my breast.
Verse 6
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 the way you done.