When first unto this country a stranger I came

And I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name

I courted her for love and her love I didn't obtain

Do you think I've any reason or right to complain

I rode to see my Nancy I rode both night and day

Till I noticed a stallion both white looking and gray

The sheriff's men had followed and they'd overtaken me

And they carted me away to the penitentiary

They opened the door and then they shoved me in

And they shaved off my head and then they cleared off my chin

They beat me and they banged me and they fed me dry beans

Till I wished to my own heart I'd never been a thief

With my hands all in my pockets my cap set on so bold

And my coat of all colors like Jacob's of old

When first unto this country a stranger I came

And I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name