The Wagoner's Lad

Oh hard is the fortune of all womankind

They're always controlled; they're always confined

Controlled by their parents until they are wives

Then slaves to their husbands the rest of their lives

I've been a poor girl; my fortune is sad

I've always been courted by the Wagoner's Lad

He courted me daily, by night and by day

And now he is loaded and going away

"Your parents don't like me because I am poor

They say I'm not worthy of entering your door

I work for my living; my money's my own

And if they don't like me, they can leave me alone"

"Your horses are hungry; go feed them some hay

Come sit down here by me as long as you stay"

"My horses ain't hungry; they won't eat your hay

So fare you well, darling; I'll be on my way"

"Your wagon needs greasing; your whip is to mend

Come sit down her by me as long as you can"

"My wagon is greasy; my whip's in my hand

So fare you well darling, no longer to stand"