Verse Number One:
I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all a'my day
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The place where I was born and raised
(The place where he was born and raised)

Verse Number Two:
For six long years I've been in trouble
No pleasures here on earth I found
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now
( He has no friends to help him now )

Verse Number Three:
It's a'fare thee well my old true lover
I never expect to see you again
For I'm bound to ride that northern railroad
Perhaps I'll die upon this train
( Perhaps he'll die upon this train )

Verse Number Four:
You can bury me in some deep valley
For many years where I may lay
Then you may learn to love another
While I am sleeping in my grave
(While he is sleeping in his grave )

Verse Number Five:
Maybe your friends think I'm just a stranger
My face you'll never see no more
But there is one promise that is given
I'll meet you on God's golden shore
(He'll meet you on God's golden shore)