On top of old smokey all covered with snow
I lost my true lover for courting too slow
For courting's a pleasure but parting is grief
And the false hearted lover is worse than a thief
They'll hug you and kiss you and tell you more lies
Than cross ties on a railroad or stars in the sky
So come ye young maidens and listen to me
Never place your affection in a green willow tree
On top of old smokey all covered with snow
I lost my true lover for courting too slow
For courting's a pleasure but parting is grief
And the false hearted lover is worse than a thief