Banks of Claudy

as i walked out one morning

all in the month of may

down by a flowery garden

i carelessly did stray.

i overheard a young maid

in sorrow did complain,

all for her absent lover

who plows the raging main.

i boldly stepped up to her

and put her in surprise.

i know she did not know me

i being in disguise.

i says, "me charming creature,

my joy, my hearts delight,

how far have you to travel

this dark and dreary night?"

"im in search of a faithless young man.“

johnny is his name.

and aloing the banks of claudy

im told he does remain."

"this is the banks of claudy“

fair maid where on you stand.

but dont depend on johnny

for hes a false young man.

oh dont depend on johnny

for hell not meet you here.

but tarry with me in yon green woods

no danger need you fear.

oh its six long weeks or better

since johnny left the shore

hes crossing the wild ocean

where the foam and the billows roar.

hes crossing the wild ocean

for honour and for fame.

but this ive heard, the ship was wrecked

all on the coast of spain."

oh its when she heard this dreadful news

she flew into dispair.

by the wringing of her milk white hands

and the tearing of her hair.

saying "if johnny he is drowned

no man on earth ill take,

but through lonesome groves and valleys

ill wander for his sake."

oh its when he saw her loyalty

no longer could he stand

he flew into her arms saying

"betsy im the man."“

saying "betsy im the young man

the cause of all your pain

but since weve met on claudy banks

well never part again."