On top of old Smokey all covered with snow I lost my true lover for courtin' too slow Oh courtin's a pleasure parting is grief And a false hearted lover is worse than a thief A thief will just rob you take all that you have But false hearted lovers take you to your grave The grave will decay you turn you into dust And it just isn't one girl a poor boy can trust [ steel ] So come all you lovers and listen to me Don't place your affection on a green willow tree The leaves will all wither the roots will all die Then you'll be forgotten but you'll never know why On top of old Smokey all covered with snow I lost my true lover for a courtin' too slow