I was born in east Virginia
North Carolina I did roam
And there I met a fair young maiden
Her name and age I do not know, oh

Her hair was so dark and curly
And her cheeks were rosy red
On her breast she wore white lilies
There I longed my head to rest, oh

I'd rather be in some dark holler
Where the sun refused to shine
Than to see you with another
And to know you'll never be mine, oh