I am a man of constant sorrow
I've seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The place where I was born and raised.

For six long years I've been in trouble
No pleasure here on earth I find
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now.

It's fare thee well my own true lover
I never expect to see you again
For I'm bound to ride that Northern railroad