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 hearts 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 woods
   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 honour 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>.