[Chorus: Emmylou Harris]
Oh, the green rolling hills of West Virginia
Are the nearest thing to heaven that I know
Though the times are sad and drear and I cannot linger here
They'll keep me and never let me go

[Verse 1: Emmylou Harris]
My daddy said don't ever be a miner
For a miner's grave is all you'll ever own
'Cause the hard times everywhere
Can't find a dime to spare
These are the worst times I've ever known

[Chorus: Emmylou Harris & Fayssoux Starling]
But the green rolling hills of West Virginia
Are the nearest thing to heaven that I know
Though the times are sad and drear and I cannot linger here
They'll keep me and never let me go

[Verse 2: Emmylou & Fayssoux, Fayssoux]
So I'll move away into some crowded city
In some northern factory town, you'll find me here
Though I'll leave the past behind
I'll never change my mind
These troubled times are more than I can bear
[Chorus: Emmylou & Fayssoux]
But the green rolling hills of West Virginia
Are the nearest thing to heaven that I know
Though the times are sad and drear and I cannot linger here
They'll keep me and never let me go

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3: Emmylou Harris, Emmylou & Fayssoux]
But someday I'll go back to West Virginia
To the green rolling hills I love so well
Yes, someday I'll go home
And I know I'll right the wrong
These troubled times will follow me no more

[Outro: Emmylou & Fayssoux]
Yes someday I'll go home
And I know I'll right the wrong
These troubled times will follow me no more