I was born in East Virginia

North Carolina I did go

There I courted a fair young maiden

But her age I did not know



Oh her hair was dark and curly

And her cheeks were rosy red

On her breast she wore a lilly

Where I longed to lay my head



Molly dear, go ask your mother

If you my bride might ever be

If she says no, come back and tell me

And I'll run away with thee



No I'll not go ask my mother

Where she lies on her bed of rest

In her hand she holds a dagger

To kill the man that I love best



The ocean's deep and I can't wade it

And I have no wings to fly

I'll just get some blue-eyed boatman

For to row me o'er the tide



I'll go back to East Virginia

North Carolina ain't my home

I'll go back to East Virginia

Leave old North Carolina alone



I don't want your green back dollar

I don't want your watch and chain

All I want is you my darling

Say you'll take me back again



For you know I'd like to see you

At my door you're welcome in

At my gate I'll always greet you

For you're the girl I tried to win