Historical Folk Lyrics
"The Bonny Labouring Boy"

As I roved out one evening all in the blooming
Spring, I spied a lovely fair maid who grievously did sing,
Saying: Cruel was my parents who did me so deny
And would not let me marry my bonny labouring boy.

Young Johnnie was my true love's name as you can plainly see;
My father he employed him his labouring boy to be,
To harrow, reap and sow the seed and plough my father's land
And soon I fell in love with him as you may understand.

I courted him for twelve long months but little did I know
That my cruel parents would prove my overthrow.
They watched us close one evening while in a shady grove,
Pledging our vows together in constant bands oflove.

My father he stepped up to me and seized me by the hand
And swore he'd send young Johnnie into some foreign land.
He locked me in my bedroom my comfort to deny
And left me there to grieve and mourn for my bonny labouring boy.

My mother came next morning and thus to me did say:
Your father has intended to appoint your wedding-day.
I nobly made answer: With him I'll ne'er comply,
But single will I still remain for my bonny labouring boy.

Said the daughter to the mother: Your plans are all in vain,
Your lords and dukes and earls, their riches I disdain.

I'd rather live a single life my time I will employ
Increasing nature's prospects for my bonny labouring boy.

So fill your .glasses to the brim; the toast goes merrily round.
Here's a health to every labouring boy that ploughs and sows the ground.

And when his work is over to his home he'll go with joy,
And happy is the girl that gets her bonny labouring boy.