Fair young maid all in a garden

Strange young man, passerby

He said, "Fair maid, will you marry me?"

This then, sir, was her reply



Oh, no, kind sir, I cannot marry thee

For I've a love who sails all on the sea

He's been gone for seven years

Still no man shall marry me



What if he's in some battle slain

Or drowned in the deep salt sea?

What if he's found another love

And he and his love both married be?



If he's in some battle slain

I will go and mourn all on his grave

And if he's drowned in the deep salt sea

I'll be true to his memory



And if he's found another love

And he and his love both married be

I'll wish them health and happiness

Where they dwell across the sea



He picked her up all in his arms

And kisses gave her one, two, three

Said, we've no more, my own true love

I am your long lost John Riley!

Said, we've no more, my own true love

I am your long lost John Riley!