I was born in East Virginia
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
The ocean’s deep and I can’t wade it
And I have no wings, no wings to fly
I’ll just get some blue-eyed boatman
For to row me o’er the tide
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