It was down in the green valley, in the pleasant month of June

All the birds were sweetly singing, all of nature was in tune

It was there I found my Johnny, he's a man I dared adore

For he was my only fancy; I could love no more

Saying, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, please be kind and marry me

I have no stores of riches, but I've stores of love for thee

And there's richer girls than I, but none will ever love you more

And if I had gold like mountains, it would be forever yours."

"For to have you in my life, it would mean the world to me

Though I am not the richest girl, I can dance and sing."

"I am for a rich young one, and I'll have you to be gone

For your riches will not last me, and your love will soon cool down."

Saying, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, please be kind and marry me

I have no stores of riches, but I've stores of love for thee

And there's richer girls than I, but none will ever love you more

And if I had gold like mountains, it would be forever yours."

Oh, must I go in sorrow? Must I lament for thee

Who does not grieve or think of me? My woe is plain to see

That I am broken-hearted; I wear no willow green

Oh, must I go in sorrow while you never think of me?

When seven months had passed, he inclined to change his mind

And he wrote to me a letter, thinking that I would proclaim

Saying, "You're my own true love, and I hope you will forgive

And grant to me the favor of my heart and hand receive."

Come all you wild young men and a warning take by me

Never slight your own true love while she is kind and free

I said, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, it's for you I do not grieve

For there's other men more suited, and I'll take care of your need

For your riches will not last and beauty will decay