From the sheet music at Mississippi State University:


'MID THE GREEN FIELDS OF VIRGINIA (IN THE VALE OF SHENANDOAH)
Words and music by Charles K. Harris
New York : Charles K. Harris, ©1898.

1. 'Mid the green fields of Virginia in the vale of Shenandoah,
There's an ivy covered homestead that I love.
With its quaint old-fashioned chimney and its simple homelike air,
'Twas the home of my dear parents, now above.
Though I'm living in a mansion grand with wealth at my command,
I'd give it all, just for a single day,
To play with my young comrades, and see my mother dear,
'Mid the green fields of Virginia far away.

CHORUS: There's a peaceful cottage there, a happy home so dear—
My heart is longing for them day by day—
Where I spent life's golden hours in the vale of Shenandoah,
'Mid the green fields of Virginia far away.

2. 'Mid the green fields of Virginia stands an old mill by the stream,
And I'd come to that old spot to sing and play.
Ah, how often would I throw the stones into that babbling brook,
And I dreamed some day 'twould carry me away.
Yes, the dream came true: one day in June, I left the dear old home.
They told me Mother's heart had broke that day.
Oh, if I could but see her, I'd lay me down and die
'Mid the green fields for Virginia far away.


[When the Carters sang this song, they discarded the second half of each verse.]