Verse Number One:
I... am a man... of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble... all a'my day.
I... bid farewell... to old Kentucky
The place where I... was born and raised.
(The place where he was born and raised)

Verse Number Two:
For... six long years... I've been in trouble
No pleasures here... on earth I found
For... in this world... I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends... to help me now.
( He has no friends to help him now )

Verse Number Three:
It's... a'fare thee well... my old true lover
I... never expect... to see you again
For... I'm bound to ride... that northern railroad
Perhaps I'll die... upon this train.
( Perhaps he'll die upon this train. )

Verse Number Four:
You... can bury me... in some deep valley
For many years... where I may lay
Then... you may learn... to love another
While I am sleeping... in my grave.
(While he is sleeping in his grave. )

Verse Number Five:
Maybe your friends... think I'm just a stranger
My face you'll... never see no more.
But there is one promise... that is given
I'll meet you on... God's golden shore.
(He'll meet you on God's golden shore.)