John Riley

John Riley - Pete Seeger

As I went walking

One sunday morning

To breathe the sweet and pleasant air

Who should I spy but a fair young maiden

Whose cheek was like a lily fair

I stepped up to her

So quickly saying

Would you like to be

A sailor's wife

Oh no kind Sir

I'd rather tarry

And to be single

All my life

What makes you differ

From another's wishes

I'm sure you're useful

And handsome too

Set sail with me

To pennsylvany

Adieu to england forevermore

The truth kind Sir

I'll plainly tell you

I could'a been married

Three years ago

To one John Riley who left this country

He is the cause of all my woe

I'll not go with you to Pennsylvany

Neither go with you to that distant shore

For my heart is with Riley

I can't forget him

Although I may never see him no more

Now when he saw that she loved him truly

He gave her kisses one two and three

Saying I am Riley your long lost lover

Who's been the cause of your misery

If you be he and your name is Riley

I will go with you to a distant shore

We will set sail to Pennsylvany

Adieu young friends forevermore