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 hollow
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