Some things just take longer than others. Here they are, WAY less than five years.   

These lyrics are definitely related to the songs mentioned by Joe, and as Ewan says, "I think they perhaps sang Cousin Emmy's version."

Never have figured out how in these songs that the sweet young miss never has the slightest clue that she is talking to her lover returned from over the sea until he says so. I do think the line, "I'd love the girl that would marry him" is one of the neatest thoughts ever put into a song, especially as sung by Laura.

Pretty Little Miss Out In The Garden
From the singing of Laura Boosinger, My Carolina Home. Upstream 888, 1990
Laura says,"From the singing of Cousin Emmy"

A pretty fair miss, all out in her garden
A strange young man came riding by
Down at the gate he did address her
Saying, pretty fair miss, won't you be my bride?

Well, no kind sir, I've a love on the ocean
For seven years long, he's sailed on the sea
And if he sails seven years longer
No man on earth could marry me

Perhaps your love is drowned in the ocean
Perhaps he's in some battle land
Perhaps he's courted a pretty girl and married
You'll never see your love again

Well if he's gone, I hope he's happy
Or if he's in some battle land
Or if he's courted a pretty girl and married
I'd love the girl that would marry him

He pulled his hands both out of his pockets
His finger's ring both lean and small       (this line is a bit awkward)
Here is the ring you placed upon them
Down at his feet, she did fall

He picked her up in his arms so tender
And kisses he gave her, one, two, three
I am your pretty single soldier
Returning home for to marry thee

The Laura Boosinger album, by the way, is highly recommended. When The Roses Bloom In Dixieland, Sweet Sunny South, Grandfather's Clock, I Will Arise, Under The Weeping Willow Tree, What'll We Do With The Baby-O, Free Little Bird, Over The Mountain, Wondrous Love, Pretty Little Miss Out In The Garden, Are You Tired Of Me My Darlin', My Carolina Home/Carolina Moon.