On the Top of Old Smokey

On Top Of Old Smokey - Odetta

On top of old smokey

All covered with snow

I lost my true lover

For a courting too slow

Courting's a pleasure

Parting's a grief

And false hearted lover

Is worse than a thief

A thief he will rob you

And take what you have

A false hearted lover

Will leave you to your grave

Your grave will decay you

And turn you to dust

Not one guy in hundred

A poor girl can trust

Hug you and kiss you

And tell you more lies

Than the cross ties on a railroad

Or the stars in the sky

So come all your ladies

And listen to me

Never place your affections

On a green willow tree

For the leaves they will whither

The roots they will die

Your true love will leave you

And you never know why