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.