On top of old Smokey all covered with snow
I lost my true lover for courtin' too slow
Oh courtin's a pleasure parting is grief
And a false hearted lover is worse than a thief
A thief will just rob you take all that you have
But false hearted lovers take you to your grave
The grave will decay you turn you into dust
And it just isn't one girl a poor boy can trust
[ steel ]
So come all you lovers and listen to me
Don't place your affection on a green willow tree
The leaves will all wither the roots will all die
Then you'll be forgotten but you'll never know why
On top of old Smokey all covered with snow
I lost my true lover for a courtin' too slow