As I walked out one fine summer's morning
For to view the fields and to take the air,
Down by the banks of the sweet prim-a-roses
There I beheld a most wondrous fair.
Oh, three long steps I stepped up to her,
Not knowing her as she pa**ed me by.
I stepped up to her thinking for to view her,
She appeared to me like some virtuous bride.
I says, "Fair maid, where are you going?
And what's the occasion of all your grief?
I will make you as happy as any lady
If you will grant me one small relief."
"Stand off, stand off, you are the false deceiver,
You are the false deceitful man I know 'tis plain.
For it is you that has caused my poor heart to wander
And in your comfort lies no refrain."
"So I'll go down to some lonesome valley
Where no man on earth there shall me find,
Where the pretty little small birds do change their voices
And every moment blows blusterous wind.
So come all young men who go a-sailing,
Pray pay attention to what I say.
For there's many a dark and a cloudy morning
Turns out to be a sunshiny day.