D D7
I was born in East Virginia
G D
North Carolina I did go
G D
There I met the fairest maiden
A D
and my age I did not know. *)
Her hair it was the darkest colour
Cheeks they were a-ruby red
On her breast she wore a white lily
Where I longed to lay my head
I'd rather be in some dark hollow
where the sun don't ever shine
than to see you love another
and to know you'll never be mine.
I don't want your green back dollar
I don't want your diamond ring
All I want is your love, darling
Won't you take me back again?
Won't you take me back again?
*) This is actually what it sounds like. Most other versions have “her age”.
Other verses not sung by Dylan:
Molly dear, go ask your mother If you my bride might ever be If she says no, come back and tell me And I'll run away with thee No I'll not go ask my mother Where she lies on her bed of rest In her hand she holds a dagger To kill the man that I love best The ocean's deep and I can't wade it And I have no wings to fly I'll just get some blue-eyed boatman For to row me o'er the tide I'll go back to East Virginia North Carolina ain't my home I'll go back to East Virginia Leave old North Carolina alone For you know I'd like to see you At my door you're welcome in At my gate I'll always greet you For you're the girl I tried to win