LILY OF THE WEST
(learned in the 1980s at Teton Tea Parties)
When first I came to Louisville, some pleasure there to find,
I courted lovely Flora, some pleasure there to find
Way down in yonder shady grove, a man of low degree
I stepped up to my rival, my dagger in my hand
And then I had to stand my trial, I had to make my plea
(from miriam berg's folksong collection)
A damsel there from Lexington was pleasing to my mind
Her ruby lips, her rosy cheeks, like arrows pierced my breast
The name she bore was Flora, the Lily of the West.
But she turned unto another man, which sore distressed my mind
She stole away my liberty, deprived me of my rest
Then go my lovely Flora, the Lily of the West.
Conversing with my Flora there, it seemed so strange to me
The answer that she gave to him it sore did me oppress
I was betrayed by Flora, the Lily of the West.
Being mad with desperation, I boldly bade him stand
Being mad with desperation I pierced him in the chest
Then go my lovely Flora, the Lily of the West.
They placed me in the criminal box and then commenced on me
Although she swore my life away, deprived me of my rest
Still I loved my faithless Flora, the Lily of the West.