Oh hard is the fortune of all womankind

They're always controlled, they're always confined

Controlled by their parents until they are wives

Then slaves to their husbands the rest of their lives



I am a poor girl, my fortune is sad

I've always been courted by the wagoner's lad

He's courted me daily, by night and by day

And now he is loaded and going away



Your parents don't like me because I am poor

They say I'm not worthy of entering your door

I work for my living, my money's my own

And if they don't like me they can leave me alone



Your horses are hungry, go feed them some hay

Come sit down beside me as long as you may

My horses ain't hungry, they won't eat your hay

So fare thee well darling, I'll be on my way



Your wagon needs greasing, your whip is to mend

Come here down beside me as long as you can

My wagon is greasy, my whip's in my hand

So fare thee well darling, I'll no longer stand