Lyrics:

[intro]
Fair young maid all in a garden
Strange young man, passerby
He said, 'Fair maid, will you marry me?'
This then, sir, was her reply:

[verse]
Oh, no, kind sir, I cannot marry thee
For I've a love who sails all on the sea
He's been gone for seven years
Still no man shall marry me

[verse]
What if he's in some battle slain
Or drowned in the deep salt sea
What if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be?

[verse]
Well, if he's in some battle slain
I will go and mourn all on his grave
And if he's drowned in the deep salt sea
I'll be true to his memory

[verse]
And if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be
I'll wish them health and happiness
Where they dwell across the sea
[outro]
He picked her up all in his arms
Kisses gave her: One, two, three
Said, Here am I, my own true love
I am your long-lost John Riley!