[Verse 1]
Once I lived in old Virginia
North Carolina was my home
There I courted a handsome lady
Oh, I called her my own

[Verse 2]
Her hair was yellow and her eyes were sparkling
And on her cheeks was a rosy red
And on her breast she wore white lilies
Oh, the tears I have shed

[Verse 3]
My father said that I must not marry
My mother said, "That'll never do"
But, oh, kind miss, if you are willing
Oh, I would run away with you

[Verse 4]
'Cause when I'm awake, I'm a-dreaming about you
When I'm asleep I'll take no rest
Cause every moment seems like hours
Oh, the pain lies in my breast

[Verse 5]
Oh, must I go to Old Virginia
All for your sake must I die
Must I go, sad, broken-hearted
Oh and darlin' say don't cry
[Verse 6]
When that golden sun is shining
On the top of calvary
It's sometimes lower that you are thinking
You must oft-times think of me