Once I lived in old Virginia

North Carolina was my home

There I courted a handsome lady

Oh I called her my own



Her hair was yellow

And her eyes were sparkling

And on her cheeks was a rosy red

And on her breast she wore white lilies

Oh the tears I have shed



My father said that I must not marry

My mother said, "that'll never do"

But, oh, kind miss, if you are willing

Oh, I would run away with you



'Cause when I'm awake

Imma dreaming about you

When I'm asleep I'll take no rest

Cause every moment seems like hours

Oh, the pain lies in my breast



Oh, must I go to Old Virginia

All for your sake must I die

Must I go, sad, broken-hearted

Oh and darlin' say don't cry



When that golden sun is shining

On the top of calvary

It's sometimes lower that you are thinking

You must oft-times think of me