as i walked out one morning
all in the month of may
down by a flowery garden
i carelessly did stray.
i overheard a young maid
in sorrow did complain,
all for her absent lover
who plows the raging main.
i boldly stepped up to her
and put her in surprise.
i know she did not know me
i being in disguise.
i says, "me charming creature,
my joy, my hearts delight,
how far have you to travel
this dark and dreary night?"
"im in search of a faithless young man.
johnny is his name.
and aloing the banks of claudy
im told he does remain."
"this is the banks of claudy
fair maid where on you stand.
but dont depend on johnny
for hes a false young man.
oh dont depend on johnny
for hell not meet you here.
but tarry with me in yon green woods
no danger need you fear.
oh its six long weeks or better
since johnny left the shore
hes crossing the wild ocean
where the foam and the billows roar.
hes crossing the wild ocean
for honour and for fame.
but this ive heard, the ship was wrecked
all on the coast of spain."
oh its when she heard this dreadful news
she flew into dispair.
by the wringing of her milk white hands
and the tearing of her hair.
saying "if johnny he is drowned
no man on earth ill take,
but through lonesome groves and valleys
ill wander for his sake."
oh its when he saw her loyalty
no longer could he stand
he flew into her arms saying
"betsy im the man."
saying "betsy im the young man
the cause of all your pain
but since weve met on claudy banks
well never part again."