Played by the Grateful Dead in acoustic sets in 1970 and again in 1980, with a couple of electric performances in 1971. The versions differ a little (thanks to John Krulish for pointing this out to me). This is the 1980s version of the lyrics, with changes noted.
(1) on the version on "Bear's Choice," Weir reverses the order of the first and last verses. He also pronounces it "dark holler" throughout - which was the way the title is spelt in early versions of the song - see below.
(2) on "Bear's Choice", Weir sings "... with you on my mind"
(3) Weir sang this verse in the 1980 version on "Reckoning" but not in the early 1970s versions
I'd rather be in some dark hollow (note 1)
Where the sun don't ever shine
Than to be in some big city
In a small room with a girl on my mind (note 2)
So blow your whistle freight train
Take me far on down the track
I'm going away, I'm leaving today
I'm going but I ain't coming back
I'd rather be in some dark hollow (note 3)
Where the sun don't ever shine
Than to see you another man's darling
And to know that you'll never be mine
I'd rather be in some dark hollow
Where the sun don't ever shine
Than to be home alone, knowing that you're gone
Would cause me to lose my mind
I'm going away, I'm leaving today
Well I'm going, but I ain't coming back