John Riley Songtext
von Odetta

Was a maid in a garden
Strange young man came riding by
Said, "Fair 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 along the sea
He's been gone for seven years
Still he will return to me."

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


"If he's in some battle slain
Then I shall die when the moon doth wain
And if he′s drownded in the deep salt sea
I am true to his memory

"And if he′s found another love
And he and his love both married be
I wish them health and happiness
Where they live across the sea."

Well, he picked her up in his arms so strong
And kisses gave her one, two, three
Saying, "Come, my love, come with me
I am your long lost John Riley."
Saying "Come, my love, come to me
I'm your long lost John Riley."