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'Twas on one summer's evening all in the month of May |
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Down by a flowery garden I carelessly did stray |
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I overheard a young maid in sorrow to complain |
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All for her handsome sailor boy who ploughed the raging main |
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I boldly stepped up to her and put her in surprise |
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I'll vow she did not know me, I being all in disguise |
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Says, I'm a charming creature, my joy and heart's delight |
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How far have you to travel this dark and stormy night? |
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Away kind sir, to the Claudy Banks if you will please to show |
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Pity her poor girl distracted, oh, there I have to go |
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I am in search of a young man and Johnny is his name |
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Along the banks of Claudy, I'm told he does remain |
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'Tis six long moths on batter, since your true love left the shore |
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In passing the wide ocean where French's cannons roar |
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And crossing the wide ocean with honor and for gain |
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I'm told his ship was wrecked all on the coast of Spain |
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On hearing of this dreadful news, it put her in despair |
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With a wringing of her hands and a tearing of her hair |
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Oh, since he's gone and left me, no other man I'll take |
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Oh, on the banks of Claudy I'll wander for his sake |
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Oh, my heart was filled with joy that night, I could no longer stand |
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I fell into her arms, crying, "Betsy, I'm that man |
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I am your faithful young man, whom once you thought was slain |
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Now, since we've met on Claudy Banks, we'll never part again" |