Here’s the full lyrics of the version I have from Gren, formerly of the Carrington Triangle Folk Club, Nottingham UK.

JOHN RILEY (from the singing of Grenvil Blatherwick)

I have a bold companion, John Riley is his name
In fair or stormy weather boys, John Riley’s always the same
His heart is like a mountain and his honour you cannot buy
And whenever it comes to drinking time, your honour, John Riley is dry!

Buys his ale, by the pale, he’ll order Susana to go out and buy Dublin Stout,
then he’ll shout Drink whiskey and never say die
Rye whiskey rye, gin and lime, he’ll knock back a double and then he will shout,
Maryanne, fill your can, for your honour John Riley is dry.

It’s early in the morning boys when he gets out of bed
He has no feathery bolster lads beneath his noble head
And when the sun is rising so proud and yet so shy
You’ll hear him shout for his Dublin Stout, for your honour John Riley is dry

Buys his ale, by the pale, he’ll order Susana to go out and buy Dublin Stout,
then he’ll shout Drink whiskey and never say die
Rye whiskey rye, gin and lime, he’ll knock back a double and then he will shout,
Maryanne, fill your can, for your honour John Riley is dry.

Mi father told me long ago when I was but a youth
That all the other Riley boys had died of whiskey truth
And yet it is the strangest thing, that nobody can deny
That whenever it comes to drinking time
Your honour John Riley is dry

Buys his ale, by the pale, he’ll order Susana to go out and buy Dublin Stout,
then he’ll shout Drink whiskey and never say die
Rye whiskey rye, gin and lime, he’ll knock back a double and then he will shout,
Maryanne, fill your can, for your honour John Riley is dry.