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

For six long years I've been in trouble
No pleasure here on Earth I've 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)

It's 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 that train)

You can bury me in some green valley
For many years where I may lay
And you may learn to love another
While I am sleeping in my grave
(While he is sleeping in his grave)

Maybe your friends think I'm just a stranger
My face you never will 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)