Matilda, with your calloused hands
Where Will goes you will follow
In search of better land
Matilda, never mind where you have been
Forget about Missouri
Forget about your kin
Matilda, it's too bad your baby's gone
But he's rested in his cradle by the river
Neath a simple grave stone
Matilda, mus'nt let Will see ya cry
Covered wagons keep on rollin'
Never question or ask why
Matilda, work your fingers to the bone
Read your Bible, pray the Indians might spare you
Till you and Will reach your new home
Matilda, just five-hundred miles to go
Ya know Will's so proud of you
Though he never tells you so
Matilda, Matilda