[1] I was born in East Virginia
North [4] Carolina I did [1] go
There I [4] courted a fair young [1] maiden
But her [5] age I did not [1] 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

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

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