BANKS OF CLAUDY
As I rode out one evening all in the month of May Down by the Banks of Claudy I carelessly did stray. I came upon a young maid in sorrow did complain Lamenting on her own true love who had crossed the raging main
(CH) Aye-oh, aye-oh, he is my darling boy He is the darling of my heart all on the walls of Troy
I stepped up unto her and caught her in great surprise I own she did not know me for I was in disguise I said 'My pretty fair maid, my joy and heart's delight, How far d'you mean to wander on this dark and dreary night?'
'Oh the banks of Claudy I wish you would me show Take on a fair young maid who has nowhere else to go For I'm in search of a young man, young John it is his name And on the banks of Claudy I hear he does remain.'
(CH)
'These are the banks of Claudy on where you do now stand Do not believe your Johnny for he is a false young man Do not believe your Johnny, he will not meet you here Through the green woods you may tarry, no danger may you fear.'
'Oh but if my Johnny was here tonight he would keep me from all harm But he's on the field of battle and in his uniform He's on the field of battle, all danger does defy Like a royal king of honour all on the walls of Troy.'
(CH)
'It's six long months and better since my Johnny left the shore To cross the raging ocean where the thundering billows roar To cross the raging ocean, for honour and for fame.' 'I heard his ship was wrecked all on the cruel coast of Spain'
As soon as she had heard this she fell in a deep despair A-wringing of her lily white hands and a-tearing of her hair Crying 'If my Johnny's drownded, no other man I'll take Through lonesome woods and valleys will I wander for his sake.'
(CH)
As soon as he had heard this no longer could he stand He flew into her arms crying 'Betsy I'm your man' Crying 'Betsy I'm the young man who's caused you grief and pain And since we've met on Claudy Banks we will never part again.'
(CH)^^
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