I was born in East Virginia
North Caroline I did roam
There I met a fair pretty maiden
Her name and age I do not Know
Her air it was of a brightsome color
And her lips of a ruby red
On her breast she wore withe lilies
There I longed 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 pain 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 the way you done