[Verse 1]
Come all young girls of a tender mind
My story I'll tell to you
And listen well to my advice
And to my counsel true

[Verse 2]
As a rule, the mind of a girl is weak
And the mind of a man is strong
And if you listen to what they say
They're sure to lead you wrong

[Verse 3]
When I was in my sixteenth year
Sweet Willie courted me
He said if I'd run away with him
His loving bride I'd be

[Verse 4]
I loved my mother as my life
I loved my father well
But the love I have for sweet Willie dear
No human tongue can tell

[Verse 5]
When we were far away from home
Enjoying a happy life
He said, "Go home, go home, little girl
For you never can be my wife"
[Verse 6]
"O Willie dear, what have I done?
What makes you treat me so?
How can you take me from my home
And then leave me to mourn?"

[Verse 7]
"It's nature, nature, my little girl
I find no fault in you
My mind is set on rambling around
And now I bid you adieu"