Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin', On this, our wedding day. Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin', Wait; wait alone. I do not know what fate awaits me. I only know I must be brave. For I must face a man who hates me, Or lie a coward, a craven coward; Or lie a coward in my grave.
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love an' duty. S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty. Look at that big hand move along, Nearing high noon.
He made a vow while in state prison: Vowed it would be my life for his an', I'm not afraid of death but, oh, what shall I do, If you leave me?
Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin': You made that promise as a bride. Do not forsake me, oh, my darlin'. Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin', Now that I need you by my side.