As the lonesome scenes of winter in stormy winds to blow
 Clouds around the center inclined to frost and snow
 You're the boy that I have chosen to be my only dear
 Your scornful heart is frozen and drifted far I fear

 One night I went to see my love, but he proved most scornfully
 I asked him if he'd marry me, but he would not marry me
 The night it is far spent, my love, it's near the break of day
 I am waiting for your answer, my dear, what do you say?


 I can but plainly tell you, I 'll lead a single life
 I never thought it fitting that you should be my wife
 So take a civil answer and for yourself provide
 I have another sweetheart and you I have laid aside

 Now my mind is changing that old love for the new
 This wide and lonesome valley I mean to ramble thru'
 In search of someone handsome that might my fancy fill
 That world is wide and lonesome, if he don't, another will.