7. Banks Of Claudy

Traditional arrangement by Loreena McKennitt

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>.