When First Unto This Country

When first unto this country a stranger I came
And I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name
I courted her for love and her love I didn't obtain
Do you think I've any reason or right to complain?

I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both night and day
'Til I noticed a stallion both white-looking and gray
The sheriff's men had followed and they'd overtaken me
And they carted me away to the penitentiary
They opened the door and then they shoved me in
And they shaved off my head and then they cleared off my chin
They beat me and they banged me and they fed me all dry beans
'Til I wished to my own heart I'd never been a thief

With my hands all in my pockets, my cap set on so bold
And my coat of all colors like Jacob's of old
When first unto this country a stranger I came
And I courted a fair maid and Nancy was her name