East Virginia Blues

I was born in East Virginia
 North Carolina I did go
 There I courted a fair young maiden
 But her age I did not know
 Oh her hair was dark and curly
 And her cheeks were rosy red
 On her breast she wore a lilly
 Where I longed to lay my head
 Molly dear, go ask your mother
 If you my bride might ever be
 If she says no, come back and tell me
 And I'll run away with thee
 No I'll not go ask my mother
 Where she lies on her bed of rest
 In her hand she holds a dagger
 To kill the man that I love best
 The ocean's deep and I can't wade it
 And I have no wings to fly
 I'll just get some blue-eyed boatman
 For to row me o'er the tide
 I'll go back to East Virginia
 North Carolina ain't my home
 I'll go back to East Virginia
 Leave old North Carolina alone
 I don't want your green back dollar
 I don't want your watch and chain
 All I want is you my darling
 Say you'll take me back again
 For you know I'd like to see you
 At my door you're welcome in
 At my gate I'll always greet you
 For you're the girl I tried to win