Pete Seeger — John Riley

As I went out one morning early To breathe the sweet and pleasant air Who should I spy but a fair young maiden; She seemed to me like a lily fair I stepped to her add kindly asked her "Would you like to be a bold sailor's wife?" "Oh no kind sir," she quickly answered "I choose to lead a sweet single life." "What makes you different from other women? What makes you different from other kind? For you are young, sweet, beautiful and handsome And for to marry you, I might incline." "It's now kind sir that I must tell you I might have been married three years ago To one John Riley who left this country He's been the cause of my overthrow." "He courted me both late and early He courted me both night and day And when he had once my affections gained He left me here and he went away." "Oh never mind for this Johnny Riley Oh come with me to the distant shore Why, we'll sail o'er to Pennsylvany And bid adieu to Riley forever more." "I shan't go with you to Pennsylvany Or go with you to the distant shore My heart is with Riley, my long lost lover Although I'll never see him no more." Oh, when he saw that her love was loyal He gave her kisses one, two, and three Saying, "I'm the man you once called Johnny Riley Saying "I'm the cause of your misery." "I've sailed the ocean, gained great promotion I've laid my money on the English shore And now we'll marry, no longer tarry And I shall never deceive you any more."