As I walked out one morning all in the month of May
Down by a flowery garden I carelessly did stray
I overheard a young maid in sorrow did complain
All for her absent lover who plows the raging main
I boldly stepped up to her and put her in surprise
I know she did not know me, I being in disguise
I says, "Me charming creature, my joy, my heart's delight
How far have you to travel this dark and dreary night?"
"I'm in search of a faithless young man, Johnny is his name
And along the Banks of Claudy, I'm told he does remain"
"This is the Banks of Claudy, fair maid, where on you stand
But don't depend on Johnny for he's a false young man
Oh don't depend on Johnny, for he'll not meet you here
But tarry with me in yon green wood, no danger need you fear
Oh it's six long weeks or better since Johnny left the shore
He's crossing the wild ocean where the foam and the billows roar
He's crossing the wild ocean for honor and for fame
But this I've heard, the ship was wrecked all on the coast of Spain"
Oh it's when she heard this dreadful news, she flew into despair
By the wringing of her milk white hands and the tearing of her hair
Saying, "If Johnny, he is drowned, no man on earth I'll take
But through lonesome groves and valleys I'll wander for his sake"
Oh it's when he saw her loyalty, no longer could he stand
He flew into her arms saying, "Betsy, I'm the man"
Saying, "Betsy, I'm the young man, the cause of all your pain
But since we've met on Claudy Banks, we'll never part again"