Lyrics

When first I came to Louisville some pleasure for 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 lilly of the west

I courted lovely Flora some pleasure for to find
But she turned unto another man which sore distressed my mind
She robbed me of my liberty deprived me of my rest
Then go my lovely Flora the lilly of the west

I stepped up to my rival my dagger in my hand
I seized him by the collar and I boldly bade him stand
Being mad to desperation I pierced him in the breast
I killed a man for Flora the lilly of the west

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
Still I love my faithless Flora the lilly of the west