Song – John Riley
RECORDINGS BY BOB GIBSON-
RECORDINGS BY OTHER ARTISTS
Song Notes
Bob’s adaptation of this traditional song has become the definitive version, recorded by a stellar list of proteges.
John Riley
John Riley
LYRIC
John Riley
Strange young man come ridin’ by
He said, “Fair maid, will you marry me”
This then, sir, was her reply
No, kind sir, I cannot marry thee
For I’ve a love who sails all on the sea
And he’s been gone for seven years
Still he will return to me
But what if he’s in some battle slain
Or if he’s drowned in the deep salt sea
Or if he’s found another love
He and his love both married be
If he’s in some battle slain
Then I shall die when the moon doth wane
If he’s drowned in the deep salt sea
Still I am true to his memory
If he’s found another love
He and his love both married be
I wish them health and happiness
Where they live across the sea
He picked her up in his arms so strong
And kisses gave her one, two, three
Saying, weep no more, my own true love
I am your long lost John Riley
Weep no more, my own true love
I am your long lost John Riley
Words & music by Bob Gibson and Ricky Neff
© Robert Josiah Music
John Riley
John Riley
John Riley
