Said Johnny to Molly, 'I am now going to leave you
And do not be grieved at my going away
For the more we are parted we'll always be true-hearted
And again I'll return in the sweet month of May'

Said Molly to Johnny, 'Oh I will mourn for you
And I will be grieved at your going away
For you know very well that your absence does grieve me
I'm afraid you would die in some strange country'

'I'll dress myself up like a neat little sea boy
Amidst awful dangers, I will stand dear friend
And when that the lofty, high winds are a-blowing
My dear, I'll be with you to plow the rough main'

'Your two little hands, love, our ropes could not handle
Your two little feet, love, our decks could not stand
Nor the cold nights of winter, you never could endure them
So stay at home, darling, to the sea's, do not go'

Her two little arms 'round of his neck she entwined them
And the clear crystal tears from her eyes they did flow
And her lily-white hands on the decks she kept ringing
Crying, 'Oh, my beloved will I never see you more?'

Come all you pretty fair maids that's inclined to marry
Oh never to place your affections on the one
For first they will court you and then they'll deceive you
They will leave you as I'm left to mourn when they're gone