Well I wandered way back in the mountains I was searching for fortune and fame I found where the water runs deep from the hills They call it the medicine springs They call it the medicine springs It was there that I met a fair maiden Yellow hair and big eyes of blue She told me one day she loved only me That she'd forever be true That she'd forever be true Well I wanted the best for my darlin' But my pockets were empty and bare My love was so great for that starlett of mine
I took what another man had I took what another man had As I sit here alone in this jailhouse With a letter I can't hardly read It said my darlin' has left this ol' world She's a waitin' in heaven for me She's a waitin' in heaven for me Some day I'll go back to the mountains Where I'll spend the rest of my days And the water that runs frome the side of the hill Will water her flowery grave Will water her flowery grave