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 You left me here to rot away Like holly on a mountainside Look at that deep well Look at that dark ray 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 never see me around I'll be looking through a telescope From hell to Scarlet Town Look at that deep well Look at that dark ray Ringing that iron bell In Scarlet Town today