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