Scarlet Town

Buddy I went down to Scarlet Town

Never been there before

You slept on a feather bed

I slept on the floor



I don't mind a lean old time

Or drinking my coffee cold

But the things I seen in Scarlet Town

Did mortify my soul



Look at that deep well

Look at that dark grave

Ringing that iron bell

In Scarlet Town today



I spent some time in New Orleans

And came along a bend

But Scarlet Town brought me down

Low as I ever been



Look at that deep well

Look at that dark grave

Ringing that iron bell

In Scarlet Town today



On the day I came to Scarlet Town

You promised I'd be your bride

But you left me here to rot away

Like holly on a mountainside



Look at that deep well

Look at that dark grave

Ringing that iron bell

In Scarlet Town today



Now you may hide in Scarlet Town

For a hundred years or more

But the man who knows what time it is

Is knocking at the door



So fare you well, my own true love

If you ever see me around

I'll be looking through a telescope

From hell to Scarlet Town



Look at that deep well

Look at that dark grave

Ringing that iron bell

In Scarlet Town today