(Trad)One night as I rode o'er the lay with moonlight shining clear
I overtook a fair young maid lamenting for her dear
For she did cry as I drew nigh, and bitter to me it seemed
For she was letting the tears roll down for her Johnny O'Hazelgreen
Why do you cry, my pretty fair maid, why do you weep and moan
Is it your father or mother that's dead, or have you lost your home
My parents they are both alive and plainly to be seen
But I am letting the tears roll down for my Johnny O'Hazelgreen
Who is this Johnny O'Hazelgreen, he's one I do not know
But he must be a braw young lad that you do love him so
His arms are long and his back is strong, he's comely to be seen
His hair is rolled like chains of gold, he's my Johnny O'Hazelgreen
Dry up your tears, my pretty fair maid, and come along with me
Then I'll show to you my only son, I never had one but he
Then you may be a bride, says I, to any lord or king
But I'd far rather be a bride, says she, to my Johnny O'Hazelgreen
She's mounted on her lily white horse and I upon the bay
We rode along all through the night and part of the next day
And when we reached my castle gate, the bells began to ring
And who should step out but my only son, her Johnny O'Hazelgreen
You're welcome home dear father, he said, you're welcome home, says he
For you brought to me my own sweetheart I thought I never would see
Then a smile upon her lovely face as sweet as the grasses green
Now I hope she's enjoying her married life with her Johnny O'Hazelgreen
(as sung by The Spinners)
Susannes Folksong-Notizen English Notes
