John Riley Lyrics

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."