Ian & Sylvia — When First Unto This Country

[Verse 1] When first unto this country a stranger I came And I courted a fair maid, and Nancy was her name [Verse 2] I courted her for love, and her love I didn't obtain Do you think I've any reason or right to complain? [Instrumental Break] [Verse 3] I rode to see my Nancy, I rode both night and day 'Til I noticed a stallion both white-lookin' and gray [Verse 4] The sheriff's men had followed, and they'd overtaken me And they carted me away to the penitentiary [Verse 5] They opened up the door, and then they shoved me in And they shaved off my head, and then they cleared off my chin [Verse 6] They beat me, and they banged me, and they fed me on dry beans 'Til I wished in my own heart I'd never been a thief [Instrumental Break] [Verse 7] With my hands all in my pockets, my cap set on so bold And my coat of all colors like Jacob's of old [Verse 8] When first unto this country a stranger I came And I courted a fair maid, and Nancy was her name