Cat. #1168 (MFH #411) - As sung by O.B. Campbell, Vinita, Oklahoma on August 9, 1971
VERSE 1
My parents raised me tenderly
There was no one, but me
My mind was bent on roaming
With them I couldn't agree
So, I became a rover
Which made my heart grow sore
To leave my aged parents
An' never see them any more
VERSE 2
There was a rich ole farmer
Who lived in th country, near by
He had one charming daughter
On her I cast an eye
She was neat, she was handsome
Was loving an' was fair
There was none in that whole country
With she I could compare
VERSE 3
I asked her if she would be satisfied
For me t' cross't th plains
An' if she would prove true to me
Until I returned again
She said, she would prove true to me
Until death proved to be unkind
So, we shook hands an' parted
An' I left my girl behind
VERSE 4
I started out for Texas
Strange places there t' see
I 'rrived in San Antonio
A place of great renoun
Where trade and money was plenty
An' th girls all suited me kind
But th girl I left behind me
Was always on my mind
VERSE 5
One day as I as walking
Down by th Georgia Square
Th mail coach's early arrived
An' th post boy met me there
He handed me a letter
Which gave me t' understand
That th girl I left behind me
Was married to another man
VERSE 6
I handed back, th letter
An' though I read it thru
An' turning myself all around an' about
Not knowing what to do
For th Sunday that I left her
Upon this book she swore
That she'd be mine an' mine alone
She doubt it o'er an' o'er
VERSE 7
I started out for Mexico
Kind friends there, t' know
Now pretty little Jenny Walker
She fell in love with me
She was neat, she was handsome
Was loving an' was kind
But th girl I left behind me
Was always on my mind
VERSE 8
One day as we were talking,
Young man, she says to me
I've love an' money aplenty
To share, both you an' me
Your pockets may be loaded
Hard work you may give o'er
If you'll consent to marry me
N' say you'll roam no more
VERSE 9
Was, if I was to marry you
I would be much to blame
My friends an' old sweethearts
Would laugh at me with shame
So, I'll go an' see my parents
Before I thus give o'er
So, we shook hands an' parted
An' I've never seen her anymore