Papa, Papa, build me a boat
So on this river I can float
Every ship I chance to see
I'll inquire of Sweet Willie
Captain, Captain tell me true
Does Sweet Willie sail with you?
No, oh no, he don't sail with me
He got drownded in the deep blue sea
I'm a-goin' away, little darlin' girl
I'm a-goin' away for awhile
But I will return to you, sweetheart
Should I go ten thousand mile
Stars may rule the oceans, sweetheart
And heavens may cease to be
This earth will lose its motion, sweetheart
Should I prove false to thee