1. Down in the valley, valley so low
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.
Hear the wind blow, dear, hear the wind blow,
Hang your head over, hear the wind blow.
2. Bird in a cage, dear, bird in a cage,
Dying for freedom, dying a slave.
Ever a slave, dear, ever a slave,
Dying for freedom, dying a slave.
3. If you don't love me, love whom you please,
Throw your arms 'round me, give my heart ease.
Give my heart ease, dear, give my heart ease,
Throw your arms 'round me, give my heart ease.
4. Write me a letter, send it by mail,
Send it in care of Birmingham jail.
Birmingham jail, dear, Birmingham jail,
Send it in care of Birmingham jail.
5. Writing this letter, containing three lines,
Answer my question, "Will you be mine?"
"Will you be mine, dear, will you be mine?"
Answer my question, "Will you be mine?"
6. Roses love sunshine, violets love dew,
Angels in heaven know I love you,
Know I love you, dear, know I love you,
Angels in heaven know I love you.