Traditional

I was born in East Virginia,
North Carolina I did go.
There I met a fair young maiden,
And her name I did not know.

Oh, her hair was dark and curly,
And her cheeks were rosy red.
On her breast she wore white linen,
Where I longed to lay my head.

I don't want your green back dollar,
I don't want your watch and chain.
All I want is your heart 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 me a blue eyed boaten,
For to row me over time.

I'll go back to East Virginia,
North Carolina ain't my home.
I'll go back to East Virginia,
Leave them North Carolinians alone.