JOHN RILEY

As I went out one morning early

To breathe the sweet and pleasant air

Who should I spy but a fair young maiden

She seemed to me like a lily fair

I stepped to her add kindly asked her

Would you like to be a bold sailor's wife

Oh no kind sir she quickly answered

I choose to lead a sweet single life

What makes you different from other women

What makes you different from other kind

For you are young sweet beautiful and handsome

And for to marry you I might incline

It's now kind sir that I must tell you

I might have been married three years ago

To one John Riley who left this country

He's been the cause of my overthrow

He courted me both late and early

He courted me both night and day

And when he had once my affections gained

He left me here and he went away

Oh never mind for this Johnny Riley

Oh come with me to the distant shore

Why we'll sail o'er to Pennsylvany

And bid adieu to Riley forever more

I shan't go with you to Pennsylvany

Or go with you to the distant shore

My heart is with Riley my long lost lover

Although I'll never see him no more

Oh when he saw that her love was loyal

He gave her kisses one two and three

Saying I'm the man you once called Johnny Riley

Saying I'm the cause of your misery

I've sailed the ocean gained great promotion

I've laid my money on the English shore

And now we'll marry no longer tarry

And I shall never deceive you any more

Sung by Pete Seeger

See also WILLMARY