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As I roved out one evening fair, |
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It being summer to take the air. |
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I spied a sailor and lady gay, |
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And I stood to listen, and I stood to listen |
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To hear what they might say. |
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He said, "Fair lady, why do you roam? |
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The day is spent and the night is on." |
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She heaved a sigh while tears did flow. |
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"For me dark-eyed sailor, for me dark-eyed sailor |
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So young and stout and bold. |
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Tis seven long years since he left this land. |
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A ring he took of his lily-white hand. |
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One half the ring is still here with me, |
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But the other's rolling, but the other's rolling |
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At the bottom of the sea." |
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He said, "Can't you drive him right out of your mind? |
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Another young man you surely can find. |
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Love turns aside and cold does grow |
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Like a winter's morning, like a winter's morning |
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When the hills are white with snow." |
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She said, "I will never forsake my dear |
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Although we're parted this many a year |
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Gentile he was and no villain like you |
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To induce a maiden, to induce a maiden |
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To slight the jacket of blue" |
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Then half of the ring did young William show, |
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She ran distracted in grief and woe |
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Saying, "William, William, I have gold in store |
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For me dark-eyed sailor, for me dark-eyed sailor |
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Who's proved his over throw." |
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There is a cottage by yonder lee, |
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This couple is married and does agree. |
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So maids be loyal when your love is away |
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For a coudy morning, for a cloudy morning |
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Brings in a sunny day. |