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Title
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Clowdy banks
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Singer
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Messenger, Charles
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Song Lyrics
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Verse 1
As I walked out one evening, 'twas in the month of May,
Down by some flowery gardens with pleasure I did stray;
'Twas there I heard a damsel in sorrow to complain,
'Twas for her absent lover, who ploughed the raging main.
Verse 2
I boldly stepped up to her, I put her in surprise,
I knew she did not know me, for I was in disguise;
I said - 'My charming creature, you're my joy and heart's delight,
How far on this road do you travel this dark and rainy night?'
Verse 3
'I am bound for the Clowdy banks, if you will please to show,
O pity a poor girl distressed, for there this night I must go,
In search all of some false young man, and Johnny is his name;
And on the banks of Clowdy I'm told he does remain.'
Verse 4
'Being six long months and better since your true love left shore,
For to cross that wide ocean where thundering cannons roar;
For to cross that wide ocean for honour and for gain,
Their ship's been wrecked, as I've been told, all on the coast of Spain.'
Verse 5
By hearing of this dreadful news she fell into despair,
By wringing of her hands, and crying, and tearing of her hair -
'My vows unto no other man I never more will make;
In some lonesome woods and valleys I'll wander for his sake,'
Verse 6
By hearing of this joy, after he could no longer stand,
He flew into her open arms, crying - 'Betsy, I'm the man.
I am that faithful young man whom you did think was slain,
And since we've met on Clowdy banks we'll never part again.'
