The Bonny Labouring Boy

As I roved out one morning all in the blooming spring
I overheard a maiden fair most grievously did sing
Saying cruel were my parents who made me feel so sore and woe
They wouldn't let me tarry with my bonny labouring boy

Oh Johnny was my true love's name as you may plainly see
My father he employed him for a labouring boy to be
To harrow, reap and sow the seeds and plough my father's land
And very soon we fell in love as you may understand

My mother said to me one day how can you stoop so low
To marry a poor labouring boy around the world to go
Some noble man might fancy you great treasure you could enjoy
So do not throw your love away on a poor young labouring boy

Oh mother, dearest mother, your words are all in vain
For lords and knights and dukes and earls, their efforts I disdain
I'd rather live a single life where time I could enjoy
Awaiting happy prospects with my bonny labouring boy

Some fifteen pounds of my best clothes I sold that very night
And with the boy that I love best to Belfast we did fly
Yet love had so entangled me, the same I can ne'er deny
It's with my bonny labouring boy I mean to live and die

So fill your glasses to the brim and let the toast go round
And drink to every labouring boy who plows and sows the ground
For when his work is over it's home he will come with joy
And happy is the girl who weds with the bonny labouring boy