I am a man of constant sorrow,
I have seen trouble all my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky
The state where I was borned and raised.

Oh, for six long years I've been in trouble
My pleasure here on earth is done.
For in this world I have to ramble
I have no friends to help me now.

Oh fare you well, my own true lover
I fear I'll never see you again,
For I am bound to ride the northern railroad
Perhaps I'll die upon the train.

Oh, you can bury me in some deep valley
For many years where I may lay.
And while you're dreaming, while you're slumbering,
While I am sleeping in the grave.

Oh, fare you well to my native country,
The place where I have loved so well,
For I have had all kinds of trouble
In this vain world, no tongue can tell.

But friends although I may be a stranger,
My face you may never see no more.
But there's one promise that's been given
Where we can meet on a secret shore