trad.

Oh pretty fair maid, walking in the garden
When a handsome sailor came strolling by
He stepped right up to her, on purpose to view her
And said ‘fair maid, could you fancy I?’

It is seven long years since I have courted a sailor
Its seven years since he went away
It is seven long years since I have courted a sailor
But he’ll come back and he’ll marry me.

Oh do you see that high, high castle
All decorated with lilies bright?
I’ll give you gold love, I’ll give you silver
If only you’ll be mine tonight.

Oh what care I for your high, high castle
All decorated with lilies bright?
And what care I for your gold or silver?
If my dear Billy were here tonight.

He put his hand into his pocket
His fingers being both long and strong,
He’s pulled out a ring which they had broken between them
And when she saw it she fell to the ground.

He’s picked her up all in his arms
He’s gave to her a sweet, loving kiss
Saying ‘I’m your true love, and I’m your Billy
And I’ve come back for to marry you.’