My home's in old Virginia, among the lovely hills.
The memory of my birthplace lies in my bosom still.
I did not like my fireside, I did not like my home.
I had a mind for rambling so far away from home.
I was on one moonlight evening, the stars were shining bright.
And with an ugly day, girl, I made the spirit fly.
To friends I bid adieu, to parents I bid farewell.
I landed in Chicago, in the very midst of hell.
T'was then the sober struck me, as plain as you can see.
I'm doomed, I'm ruined forever, throughout eternity.
I courted a fair young lady, her name I will not tell.
Oh why should I disgrace her, when I am doomed for hell?
And now upon my scaffold, my time's not very long.
You may forget the singer, but don't forget this song.
I'm doomed, I'm ruined forever, throughout eternity.