Recorded by Bob Dylan (as CO 108073) with Charlie Daniels b; David Bromberg, g/dobro; Ron Cornelius, g; Al Kooper, organ; Russ Kunkel, dms, Columbia Studios, New York, Ny, Jun 3, 1970 (two complete takes; one of these takes -- probably second take -- released on "Dylan," Nov 16, 1973.
According to Kroogsgard, "The Recording Sessions, Part 2" The Telegraph, #53, Winter 1995, there were four more takes (same CO number; Take 1 & 4 complete), with the same personnel recorded at the same location on Jun 5, 1970.
Lyrics as recorded by Bob Dylan, prob. Jun 3, 1970 (overdubbed version, released on "Dylan," Nov 16, 1973),
transcribed by Manfred Helfert.
When first I came to Louisville, some pleasure there to find,
A damsel there from Lexington was pleasing to my mind.
Her rosy cheeks, her ruby lips, like arrows pierced my breast --
The name she bore was Flora, the Lily of the West.And the name she bore was Flora, the Lily of the West.
I courted lovely Flora, some pleasure for to find,
But she turned unto another man, which sore distressed my mind.
She robbed me of my liberty, deprived me off my rest --
Then go, my lovely Flora, the Lily of the West.Then go, my lovely Flora, the Lily of the West.
'Way down in yonder shady grove, a man of high degree
Conversing with my Flora there, which seemed so strange to me.
And the answer that she gave to him, it sore did me opress --
I was betrayed by Flora, the Lily of the West.I was betrayed by Flora, the Lily of the West.
I stepped up to my rival, dagger in my hand.
I seized him by the collar, and boldly made him stand.
Being mad by desperation, I pierced him through the breast --
All this for lovely Flora, the Lily of the West.All this for lovely Flora, the Lily of the West.
I had to stand my trial, I had to make my plea;
They placed me in the witness box, and then commenced on me.
Although she swore my life away, deprived me of my rest --
Still I love my faithless Flora, the Lily of the West.Still I love my faithless Flora, the Lily of the West.