The Lily of the West Lyrics

Lily of the West

Arrangement by Joan Baez

When first I came to Louisville
Some pleasure there to find
A damsel there from Lexington
Was pleasing to my mind
Her rosy cheeks, her ruby lips
Like arrows pierced my breast

And the name she bore was Flora
The Lily of the West

I courted lovely Flora
Some pleasure there to find
"But" she turned unto another man
Which sore distressed my mind
She robbed me of my liberty
Deprived me of my rest
(Still I love my faithless)"Then go my lovely" Flora
The Lily of the West

"Way" down in yonder shady grove
A man of high degree
Conversing with my Flora there
It seemed so strange to me
And the answer that she gave to him
It sure did me oppress
I was betrayed by Flora
The Lily of the West

I stepped up to my rival
My dagger in my hand
I seized him by the collar and
I boldly made him stand
Being mad to desperation I pierced him in the breast
(All for) "Then go" my lovely Flora
The Lily of the West

"And" I had to stand my trial
I had to make my plea
They placed me in the criminal box
And then commenced on me
Although she swore my life away
Deprived me of my rest
(And I) Still love my faithless Flora
The Lily of the West