I am a man of constant sorrow 
I've seen trouble all of my days
I bid farewell to old Kentucky 
Place where I was born and raised 

All thru this earth I'm bound to ramble 
Thru storm and wind, thru sleet and rain 
I'm bound to ride that Northern railroad 
Perhaps I'll take the very next train 

For six long years I've been in trouble 
No pleasure here on earth I've found 
For in this world I'm bound to ramble
I have no friends to help me now 

It's fare you well, my own true lover 
I never expect to see you again 
For I'm bound to ride that northern railroad 
Perhaps I'll take the very next train 

Your friends they say that I'm a stranger 
You'll never see my face no more 
There is just one promise that's give 
We'll meet on God's golden shore 

I am a man of constant sorrow 
I've seen trouble all of my days 
I'm going back to California 
Place where I was partly raised