The Wagoner’s Lad

In old North Carolina I was bred and was born
And in my own country I was a great scorn
As I was a riding one morning in May
I met a fair damsel as you ever might see

I viewed her fathers and she pleased me well
I forced all on her my mind for to tell
She quickly consented my bride for to be
But her parents weren’t willing for she to have me

I am a poor girl and my fortune is bad
And I’ve duly been courted by the wagoner’s lad
I’ve duly been courted by night and by day
But now he’s a-loaded he’s going away

Your horses is hungry go feed them some hay
Come set down beside me is all I can say
My horses ain’t hungry they won’t eat your hay
So farewell, pretty Nancy, I’ve no time to stay

Your horses is not geared up, nor your whip in your hand
Come set you down by me, just at my command
My horses is geared up, my whip in my hand
So farewell, pretty Nancy, I’ve no time to stand

I’ve duly been courted by day and by night
I’ve duly been courted by the wagoner’s lad
But now he’s loading, he’s going away
But if I ever meet him, I’ll crown him with joy
And kiss the sweet lips of my wagoner boy