Traditional

I'm a heartbroken raftsman, from Greenville I came
	All my virtues departed with a lass I did feign
From the strong darts of Cupid I've suffered much grief
	And my heart's torn assunder, I can get no relief

Of my troubles I'll tell you without much delay
	How this sweet little lassie, my heart stole away
She's the blacksmith's fair daughter from the Flat River side
	And I always intended to make her my bride

I worked on the river where the white waters roar
	And my name I've engraved on the high rocky shore
I'm the boy who stands happy on the dark swirling stream
	But my thoughts were on Molly, she haunted my dreams

I gave her fine jewels, the finest of lace
	And the costliest muslins of all to embrace
I gave her my wages all for to keep safe
	I deprived her of nothing I had on this Earth

While I worked on the river, I earned quite a stake
	I was steadfast and steady, and ne'er played the rake
O'er calm Flat River I'm very well known
	And they call me Jack Haggerty, the pride of the town!

Til she wrote me a letter which I did receive
	And she said from her promise herself she'd relieve
For to wed with another she'd long time delayed
	And the next time I'd see her, she'd no more be a maid

To her mother, Jane Tucker, I lay all the blame
	For she caused her to leave and go back on my name
For to cast off the rigging which God was to tie
	And to leave me a rambler til the day that I die

So come all you bold raftsmen with hearts stout and true
	Don't trust in a woman, for you're beat if you do
But if you should meet one with a dark chest of pearl
	Remember Jack Haggerty and the Flat River girl!