Dearest Johnny

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 passed, 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