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