When First Unto This Country

When first unto this country
 A stranger I came
 I courted a fair maid
 And Nancy was her name
 I courted her for love
 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
 I stoled a fine stallion
 From Colonel Charles Grey
 I rode to see my Nancy
 I rode both day and night
 I courted fairest Nancy
 My own heart's true delight
 The sheriff's men they followed
 And overtaken me
 They carted me away
 To the penitentiary
 They opened up the door
 And then they threw me in
 They shaved off my hair
 And they cleared off my chin
 They beat me and they banged me
 And they fed me on dry beans
 'Til I wished to my own soul
 I'd never been a thief
 With my hands stuck in my pockets
 And my cap set on so bold
 My coat of many colors
 Like Joseph's of old
 When first unto this country
 A stranger I came
 I courted a fair maid
 And Nancy was her name