Lyrics:

I'll never forget when I met sweet Cora, my pretty quadroon
I see her dear eyes shining yet as we vowed to be true neath the moon
Her form was exceedingly fair, she had cheeks like the wild rose in June
And the ringlets of dark glossy hair were the curls of my pretty quadroon

So happy were we for a while, like two lovers we dwelt 'neath the bower
And the sweetness of Cora's bright smile seemed to ripen the blush of the flower
But happiness fades like the rose and before the next coming of June
The grim reaper knocked at my door took Cora my pretty quadroon

Refrain:
Oh, my pretty quadroon, my flower that faded too soon!
My heart's like the strings on my banjo, all broke for my pretty quadroon

Farewell to Kentucky's green hills, farewell to Kentucky's green glades
Farewell to the green clover fields where Cora and I often strayed
My sorrow will soon be forgot and my heart will find rest in the tomb
But my spirit will fly to the spot and watch over my pretty quadroon