[Verse 1]
Oh, hard is the fortune of all woman kind
They're always controlled, they’re always confined
Controlled by they're parents until they are wives
Enslaved to their husbands the rest of their lives

[Verse 2]
Oh, I am a poor girl, my fortune is sad
I've always been courted by the wagoner’s lad
He courted me daily, by night and by day
And now he is loaded and going away

[Verse 3]
Your parents don't like me because I am poor
They say I'm not worthy of entering your door
I work for my living, my money's my own
And if they don't like mе they can leave mе alone

[Verse 4]
Your horses are hungry, go feed them some hay
Come sit down beside me as long as you stay
My horses ain't hungry, they won't eat your hay
So fare you well, darlin', I’ll be on my way

[Verse 5]
Your wagon needs greasing, your whip is to mend
Come sit down here by me as long as you can
My wagon is greasy, my whip’s in my hand
So fare you well, darlin', no longer to stand