I knew a girl in Charleston twas back a long time ago
She was the one I'd searched for God knows I loved her so
Oh yes I loved her I loved only her
I was but a young man wild and full of fire
Just had turned eighteen filled with challenge and desire
I thought that she loved me I thought she loved only me
Then I had to leave Charleston but I left her with the ring
I told her we would marry when I came back in the spring
How happy we would be how happy we would be
When I got back to Charleston I couldn't wait to see
The girl I thought loved and cherished only me
She'd left with another man she'd left with another man
As I wandered round Charleston to myself I say
When I'll find out you darling you are going to pay
I found her in the town and there I'd beat her down I'd beat her down
I dragged her to the river and threw her body in
Oh Lord won't you forgive me for this greatest sin
Well now the hurt is gone and there's no use to go on loving her
Loving her loving her loving her loving her
