John Riley Songtext
von Brocelïande

A fair young maid was in her garden
Strange young man came a-riding by
He said, "Fair maid, will you marry me?"
And this then, sir, was her reply

"Oh, no, kind sir, I cannot marry thee
For I′ve a lad and he sails the sea
Though he's been gone for seven years
Still he will return to me"

"Well, what if he′s in some battle slain?
Or if he's drowned in the deep salt sea?
Or what if he's found another love
And he and his love both married be?"


"Well, if he is in some battle slain
Then I shall die when the moon doth wane
And if he′s drowned in the deep salt sea
I′ll be true to his memory"

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

He took her up in his arms so strong
And kisses he gave her one, two, three
Saying, "Weep no more, my own true love
For I am your long-lost John Riley"

He said, "Weep no more, my own true love
For I am your long-lost John Riley"