[Verse 1]
I was born in East Virginia
North Carolina I did go
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 lily
Where I longed to lay my head

[Verse 2]
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
The ocean's deep and I can't wade it
And I have no wings to fly
I'll just get some blue-eyed boatman
For to row me o'er the tide

[Verse 3]
I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leave old North Carolina alone
I'll go back to East Virginia
North Carolina ain't my home
I'll go back to East Virginia
Leave old North Carolina alone