I used to be a rambler, staying around in town
I used to be a rambler, staying around in town
I courted Pretty Polly, such a beauty never found

Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, oh yonder she stands
Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, oh yonder she stands
Gold rings on her finger and lily white hands

Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, go along with me
Pretty Polly, pretty Polly, go along with me
Before we get married, some pleasure for to see

He led her over mountains and valleys so deep
He led her over mountains and valleys so deep
At last, Pretty Polly, she began to weep

Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm afraid of your ways
Oh Willy, oh Willy, I'm afraid of your ways
Afraid you will lead my poor body astray

Polly, you're guessing about right
Polly, you're guessing about right
I dug on your grave, almost all last night

She walked two steps further and what did she spy
She walked to steps further and what did she spy
A new-dug grave and a spade lying by

Let me go, let me go, I'm afraid of you Willy
Let me go, let me go, I'm afraid of you Willy
I can't go back, I can't be your wife

Polly, oh Polly that never be
Polly, oh Polly that never be
Your reputation bring trouble to me

He stabbed her through her breast and blood did flow
He stabbed her through her breast and blood did flow
And down into the ground Polly did go

Oh Willy, oh Willy you're gonna have to pay
Oh Willy, oh Willy you're gonna have to pay
For killing pretty Polly and running away