Lyrics:

When first unto this country a stranger I came
I courted a fair young maid and Nancy was her name
I courted her for love, but love I couldn't obtain
Do you think I've any reason or right to complain

I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both day and night(
I courted dearest Nancy, my own heart's true delight(
I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both day and night
Till I spied a fine stallion, both dun looking and white

The sheriff's men had followed and overtaken me
They took me away to the penitentiary
They took me to the jailhouse and then they shoved me in(
They shaved off my head and they cleared off my chin

(They beat me and they banged me, they fed me on dry beans
'Til I wished to my own true heart I'd never been a thief
With hands in my pockets and a hat set on so bold
And a robe of many colors like Jacob's of old

When first unto this country a stranger I came
I courted a fair young maid, and Nancy was her name