East Kentucky, threads of silver, 
Down a rusty railroad track.
Dusty highway, take me to Denver, 
I will not be comin' back.

To the mountains of Colorado, 
Like a bandit I will run.
To the beauty of the mountains, 
To undo what she has done.

East Kentucky, threads of silver, 
Down a rusty railroad track.
Dusty highway, take me to Denver, 
I will not be comin' back.

[Whistling chorus.]

East Kentucky, I knew your daughter, 
In the early morning rain.
And in the shadow of the tall pines, 
I did love her with no shame.

Now the cold, gray hands of winter, 
Lay upon the mountain side.
There's a bluebird seekin' shelter, 
She ain't got no place to hide.
She ain't got no place to hide.