Dearest Johnny

It was down in the green valley
In the pleasant month of June
All the birds were sweetly singing
All of nature was in tune
It was there I found my Johnny
He's the man I did adore
For he was my only fancy
I could love no more
Saying, "Oh, my dearest Johnny
Please be kind and marry me
I have no stores of riches
But I've stores of love for thee
And there's richer girls than I
But none will ever love you more
And if I had gold like mountains
It would be forever yours"
For to have you in my life
It would mean the world to me
Though I am not the richest girl
I can dance and sing
I am for a rich young one
And I'll have you to be gone
For your riches will not last me
And your love will soon cool down
Saying, "Oh, my dearest Johnny
Please be kind and marry me
I have no stores of riches
But I've stores of love for thee
And there's richer girls than I
But none will ever love you more
And if I had gold like mountains
It would be forever yours"
Oh, must I go in sorrow?
Must I lament for thee?
Who does not grieve or think of me
But oh, it's plain to see
That I am broken hearted
I wither with no green
Oh, must I go in sorrow
While you never think of me?
When seven months had passed
He inclined to change his mind
And he wrote to me a letter
Thinking that I would prove kind
Saying, "You're my own true love
And I hope you will forgive
And grant to me the favor
Of my heart and hand receive
Come all you wild young men
And a warning take by me
Never slight your own true love
While she is kind and free"
I said, "Oh, my dearest Johnny
It's for you I do not grieve
For there's other men more suited
And I've taken of your leave
For your riches will not last
Her beauty will decay
When you slight your own true love
Her love will fade away"