It was on a summer's morning all in the month of May
Down by yon flowery gardens I carelessly did stray
I overheard a fair maid in sorrow to complain
All for her absent lover who plowed the raging main

I boldly stepped up to her and gave to her a surprise
I know she did not know me, for I being in disguise
I said, "My charming creature, my heart and joy's delight
How far do you mean to wander this dark and dreary night?"

"Kind sir, the way to Claudy, if you will please do show
Oh take pity on the fair maid that knows not where to go
I'm on the search of a faithless young man, Johnny is his name
And along the Banks of Claudy, I'm told he does remain"

"This is the Banks of Claudy, fair maid, where on you stand
Oh but don't depend on Johnny for he's a false young man
Oh don't depend on Johnny, for he'll not meet you here
But tarry with me in yon green wood, no danger need you fear"

It's six long weeks and better since Johnny left the shore
He's crossing the wild ocean where the foam and billows roar
He's crossing the wide ocean for honor and for fame
But this I heard, the ship was wrecked on the fatal coast of Spain"

Oh it's when she heard the dreadful news, she flew into despair
With the wringing of her hands and the tearing of her hair
Saying, "If Johnny, he is drowned, no man on earth I'll take
But through lonesome groves and valleys I'll wander for his sake

Oh it's when he saw her loyalty, no longer could he stand
He flew into her arms saying, "Betsy, I'm the man"
Saying, "Betsy, I'm the young man, the cause of all your pain
But since we've met on Claudy Banks, we'll never part again"

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