As I roved out one fine May morning
To view the meadows and flowers gay
Who should I spot but my own true lover
As she sat by yon willow tree

I took off my hat and I did salute her
I did salute her most courageously
As she turned around, the tears fell from her
Saying, "False young man, you've deluded me
And the diamond ring I behold I gave to you
A diamond ring to wear on your right hand
But the vows you made, love, you went and broke them
And you wed the lassie who has the land."

"If I wed the lassie who has the land, my love
It's that I'll rue to the day I die
When misfortune falls, sure the man may shun it
It was my fault, that I'll not deny

And at night when I go to my bed of slumber

The thoughts of my love are in my mind
As I turn around to embrace my darling
Instead of gold, sure 'tis brass I find

And I wish the queen would bring home her armies
From the West Indies, America and Spain
And every man to his wedded woman
Oh in hopes that I might be with thee again."