On Top of Old Smoky

On top of old smokey all covered with snow

I lost my true lover for courting too slow

For courting's a pleasure and parting's a grief

And a false hearted lover is worse than a thief

For a thief will just rob you and take all you save

But a false hearted lover will lead you to the grave

And the grave will decay you and turn you to dust

Not one girl in a hundred a poor boy can trust

They'll hug you and kiss you and tell you more lies

Than cross lines on a railroad or stars in the skies

So come all your maidens and listen to me

Never place your affections on a green willow tree

For the leaves they will wither and the roots they will die

You'll all be forsaken and never know why.