Nic Jones - The Green Mossy Banks of the Lea lyrics

When first in this country a stranger Curiosity caused me to roam; Over Europe I resolved to be a ranger When I left Philadelphia, my home. We quickly sailed over to England Where forms of great beauty do shine; And there I espied a young woman And I wished in my heart that she was mine. Oh it's there I did spy this young woman, She appeared like some goddess to me. As she rose from the reeds by the water On the green mossy banks of the Lea. I stepped up and wished her good morning And her cheeks, well, they did blush like the rose. Says I, "How the river looks charming And your guardian I'll be if you choose." Says she, "Sir, I ne'er want a guardian; Young man, you are a stranger to me. And yonder's my father a-coming O'er the green mossy banks of the Lea." Well I waited until up come her father, Saying, "Your daughter, a lady she'll be. She'll ride in a carriage and horses O'er the green mossy banks of the Lea." They invited me home to their cottage And soon after this lady she was mine; And there I built a fine castle In grandeur and splendour to shine. So now this American stranger, All pastime and leisure he can see. He can live with his gentle young woman On the green mossy banks of the Lea. So it's all you young women, attention, No matter how poor you may be: Just you think on that gentle young woman On the green mossy banks of the Lea. When first in this country a stranger Curiosity caused me to roam; Over Europe I resolved to be a ranger When I left Philadelphia, my home.