trad.

As I walked out one May morning
down by the riverside
there I beheld a bold fisherman
come rowing by the tide
   come rowing by the tide,
   there I beheld a bold fisherman
   come rowing by the tide.

Good morning to you bold fisherman
how came you fishing here
I come here a fishing for your sweet sake
all on this river clear
   all on this river clear
   I come here a fishing for your sweet sake
   all on this river clear

He drew his boat unto the bank
and for her made his bent
he took her by the lilywhite hand
which was his full intent.
  which was his full intent.
   he took her by the lilywhite hand
   which was his full intent.

He took the cloak from off his back
and swiftly laid it down
then she beheld three chains of gold
hang dangling three times round.
   hang dangling....

Shes fell on her bended knees
for mercy she’s implored
for calling you a bold fisherman
when I fear you are some lord.
   when I fear...

Rise up rise up rise up my fair young maid
from off your bended knees
there is not one word that you have said
that has offended me.
   that has offended...

he took her by the lilywhite hand
Saying married we shall be
then you will have a bold fisherman
to row you o’er the sea.
   to row you o’er the sea.
   then you will have a bold fisherman
   to row you o’er the sea.