I knew a girl in Charleston twas back a long time ago

She was the one I'd searched for God knows I loved her so

Oh yes I loved her I loved only her

I was but a young man wild and full of fire

Just had turned eighteen filled with challenge and desire

I thought that she loved me I thought she loved only me

Then I had to leave Charleston but I left her with the ring

I told her we would marry when I came back in the spring

How happy we would be how happy we would be

When I got back to Charleston I couldn't wait to see

The girl I thought loved and cherished only me

She'd left with another man she'd left with another man

As I wandered round Charleston to myself I say

When I'll find out you darling you are going to pay

I found her in the town and there I'd beat her down I'd beat her down

I dragged her to the river and threw her body in

Oh Lord won't you forgive me for this greatest sin

Well now the hurt is gone and there's no use to go on loving her

Loving her loving her loving her loving her