I used to be a rambler, I stayed around in town
I used to be a rambler, I stayed around in town
I courted Pretty Polly, her body's never been found

They called her Pretty Polly, a name I knew so well
They called her Pretty Polly, a name I knew so well
I loved up her body and sent her soul to hell

Polly, Pretty Polly come go around with me
Polly, Pretty Polly come go around with me
Before we get married some pleasure to see

Willie, oh Willie I'm afraid of your ways
Willie, oh Willie I'm afraid of your ways
I'm afraid you will leave my body astray

Polly, Pretty Polly your guess is about right
Polly, Pretty Polly your guess is about right
I dug on your grave six long hours last night

She took two steps farther and what did she spy?
She took two steps farther and what did she spy?
But a new dug grave and a spade lying by

Willie, oh Willie please spare my life
Willie, oh Willie oh-please spare my life
Remember me a single mom if I can't be your wife
There's no time for talking, there's no time to stand
There's no time for talking, there's no time to stand
I drew up a hunting knife in my right hand

I stabbed her through the heart and her lifeblood did flow
I stabbed her through the heart and her lifeblood did flow
And into her grave Pretty Polly did go

Oh where is Pretty Polly, oh yonder she stands
Oh where is Pretty Polly, yonder she stands
No rings on her fingers or her cold dead hands