Claudy Banks

'Twas on one summer's evening all in the month of May

Down by a flowery garden I carelessly did stray

I overheard a young maid in sorrow to complain

All for her handsome sailor boy who ploughed the raging main

I boldly stepped up to her and put her in surprise

I'll vow she did not know me, I being all in disguise

Says, I'm a charming creature, my joy and heart's delight

How far have you to travel this dark and stormy night?

Away kind sir, to the Claudy Banks if you will please to show

Pity her poor girl distracted, oh, there I have to go

I am in search of a young man and Johnny is his name

Along the banks of Claudy, I'm told he does remain

'Tis six long moths on batter, since your true love left the shore

In passing the wide ocean where French's cannons roar

And crossing the wide ocean with honor and for gain

I'm told his ship was wrecked all on the coast of Spain

On hearing of this dreadful news, it put her in despair

With a wringing of her hands and a tearing of her hair

Oh, since he's gone and left me, no other man I'll take

Oh, on the banks of Claudy I'll wander for his sake

Oh, my heart was filled with joy that night, I could no longer stand

I fell into her arms, crying, "Betsy, I'm that man

I am your faithful young man, whom once you thought was slain

Now, since we've met on Claudy Banks, we'll never part again"