Fair young maid all in her garden
Strange young man passer by
Says, "Fair young maid, will you marry me?"
This then, sir, was her reply

"Oh no, kind sir, I cannot marry thee
For I've a love who sails across the sea
Though he's been gone these seven years
Still no man shall marry me"

"What if he's in some battle slain?
Or if he's drowned in, in the deep salt sea?
What if he's found another love?
He and his love both married be?"


And if he's found another love
and He and his new love both married be
I wish them health and happiness
Where they dwell across the sea"

He picked her up all in his arms
And kisses gave her one, two and three
Saying "Weep no more, my own true love
I am your long lost John Riley"

Saying, "Weep no more, my own true love
For I am your long lost John Riley