On top of old Smokey all covered with snow
There I lost my true lover by courtin' too slow
For courtin' is pleasure parting is grief
But a false hearted lover is worse than a thief
[ steel ]
A thief he will but rob you and take all you saved
But a false hearted lover will drive you to your grave
Then the grave will destroy you and turn you to dust
For there's seldom a woman a poor boy can trust
[ steel ]
They will tell you they love you to give your heart ease
And as soon as your back's turned they'll do as they please

They will hug you and kiss you and tell you more lies
Than the crossties on the railroad or the stars in the skies