John Riley (Live) Lyrics
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