I gave my love a diamond, a ten cent stone,
I gave her lonely teardrops and nights alone.
I gave my love a promise that had no truth,
What good is a promise without no truth ?

I gave my love a fortune in silver and gold,
I gave it to her lie by lie by lie by lie that i had told.
I gave my love a story that had no end,
What good is a story that's got no end ? tell me.

I wrote her that we'd get married in about one year's time.
I wrote her in a boxcar on the memphis line.
I sent my love a letter without no stamp - ha!
And what good is a letter without no stamp ?

Goodbye baby,
I'm feelin' so alone i'm movin' on.
I ain't got no tall tale.
Don't call me - i'll call you.
See ya.