There was a maid in a garden
In a garden
When a strange young man

Came wandering by
He said dear maid, please will you marry me?
To him these words she did reply


I'm sorry Sir
I cannot marry thee

For my true love
Still sails the deep salt sea
And he's been gone

For seven years
And his name is John Riley


But what if he
In some battle is slain
Or he has drowned

In the deep salt sea
Or he has found another true love
And they by now both married be


Well then if he
In some battle is slain

Then I shall never smile again
And if he's drowned
In the deep salt sea

Then I shall die
Before ever married I'll be


And if he's found another Love
And they by now both married be
I wish them all the joy of truelove

Where ere they lie
Or ere they be


He took her in his arms
Oh so strong
He gave her kisses one two and three

He said, dear maid, I am your true
I am your long lost John Riley
He said dear maid, I am your true love

I am you long lost John Riley