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.