John Riley

There was a maid in a garden

In a garden

When a strange young man

Came wandering by

He said dear maid, please will you marry me?

To him these words she did reply

I’m sorry Sir

I cannot marry thee

For my true love

Still sails the deep salt sea

And he’s been gone

For seven years

And his name is John Riley

But what if he

In some battle is slain

Or he has drowned

In the deep salt sea

Or he has found another true love

And they by now both married be

Well then if he

In some battle is slain

Then I shall never smile again

And if he’s drowned

In the deep salt sea

Then I shall die

Before ever married I’ll be

And if he’s found another Love

And they by now both married be

I wish them all the joy of truelove

Where ere they lie

Or ere they be

He took her in his arms

Oh so strong

He gave her kisses one two and three

He said, dear maid, I am your true

I am your long lost John Riley

He said dear maid, I am your true love

I am you long lost John Riley