Lyrics:

It was on a summer's morning all in the month of May
Down by yon flowery gardens I carelessly did stray

I overheard a fair maid in sorrow to complain
All for her absent lover that ploughed the raging main

I boldly stepped up to her and gave to her a surprise
I note she did not know me for I being in disguise

I said 'My charming creature my heart and joy's delight
How far do you mean to wander this dark and dreary night?'

'Kind sir the way to Claudy if you will please to show
O take pity on the fair maid who knows not where to go

'I'm in search of a faithless young man, Johnny is his name
And all on the Banks of Claudy I'm told he does remain'

'This is the Banks of Claudy fair maid whereon you stand
O but don't depend on Johnny for he's a false young man

'O don't depend on Johnny for he'll not meet you here
But tarry with me in yon green wood no danger need you fear'

'It is six long weeks and better since Johnny left the shore
He is crossing the wide ocean where the foaming billows roar'

'He's crossing the wild ocean for honour and for fame
But this I heard the ship was wrecked on the fatal coast of Spain'

O it's when she heard the dreadful news she flew into despair
With the wringing of her hands and the tearing of her hair

Saying 'If Johnny he is drowned no man on earth I'll take
But through lonesome groves and valleys I'll wander for his sake'

O it's when he saw her loyalty no longer could he stand
He flew inot her arms saying 'Betsy I'm the man'

Saying 'Betsy I'm the young man the cause of all your pain
But since we've met on Claudy Banks we'll never part again'