It was down in the green valley, in the pleasant month of June
All the birds were sweetly singing, all of nature was in tune
It was there I found my Johnny, he's a man I dared adore
For he was my only fancy; I could love no more
Saying, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, please be kind and marry me
I have no stores of riches, but I've stores of love for thee
And there's richer girls than I, but none will ever love you more
And if I had gold like mountains, it would be forever yours."
"For to have you in my life, it would mean the world to me
Though I am not the richest girl, I can dance and sing."
"I am for a rich young one, and I'll have you to be gone
For your riches will not last me, and your love will soon cool down."
Saying, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, please be kind and marry me
I have no stores of riches, but I've stores of love for thee
And there's richer girls than I, but none will ever love you more
And if I had gold like mountains, it would be forever yours."
Oh, must I go in sorrow? Must I lament for thee
Who does not grieve or think of me? My woe is plain to see
That I am broken-hearted; I wear no willow green
Oh, must I go in sorrow while you never think of me?
When seven months had pa**ed, he inclined to change his mind
And he wrote to me a letter, thinking that I would proclaim
Saying, "You're my own true love, and I hope you will forgive
And grant to me the favor of my heart and hand receive."
Come all you wild young men and a warning take by me
Never slight your own true love while she is kind and free
I said, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, it's for you I do not grieve
For there's other men more suited, and I'll take care of your need
For your riches will not last and beauty will decay