“I know my love by his way [of]1 walkin’,
And I know my love by his way of talkin’,
And I know my love [by his coat of blue,]2
[But]3 if my love leaves me what will I do?”

Refrain
   And still she cried, “I love him the best,
   And a troubled mind, sure, can know no rest;”
   And still she cried, Bonny boys are few,
   And if my love leaves me what will I do?”

“There is a dance house in [yonder town,]4
And there my true love goes every night;
He takes a strange one upon his knee,
And don’t you think, now, that vexes me?”

Refrain

“If my love knew I could wash and wring,
If my love knew I could weave and spin,
I’d make a coat all of the finest kind,
But the want of money, sure, leaves me behind?”

Refrain