These are the lyrics for "East Virginia Blues" (Rhino Handmade HeadQuarters Sessions) I thought I'd send them along, in case you would like to add them. Too, since the lyric of the Monkees version differs so greatly from traditional bluegrass versions, I've included some info I'm planning to add to the FAQs... just in case you'd like to include it with the lyrics, too. "I Was Born in East Virginia" Notes of Interest: While this song has been recorded under several titles, the correct title is "East Virginia Blues." Peter & Micky sing a variation on the traditional folk version of this old bluegrass standard which is very different from the much older traditional bluegrass lyrics and their most common variations. This folk version is lacking any hint of some of the traditional verses, has lillies and not linen on the fair maiden's breast and borrows a line or two from another bluegrass standard, "Dark Hollar Blues." (aka "Dark Hollow Blues") Noting these differences from the traditional bluegrass, it is possible that the folk standard evolved from The Carter Family's 1934 recording of the song. The Carter Family not only recorded the song with a lyric differing greatly from the more well known variations of traditional verses, they later recorded "East Virginia Blues #2 (1935) which continues the story of the song in new verses. Afficianados of this song may wish to seek out versions recorded by: The Carter Family, Pete Seeger, Woodie Guthrie, The Grateful Dead, Ralph Stanley (or The Stanley Brothers) and Joan Baez. The lyrics as sung by Micky & Peter: I was born in East Virginia North Carolina, I did roam There I met a sweet young maiden Her name and age, I do not know Her hair it was a light brown color And her cheeks were ruby red On her breast she wore white lillies There I longed to lay my head I'd rather be in some dark hollow Where the sun refuse to shine Than to see her with another And to know she'd never be mine I was born in East Virginia North Carolina, I did roam There I met a sweet young maiden Her name and age, I do not know Her name and age, I do not know
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