Here is to all true lovers
And to mine wherever she may be
This very night I shall go and see her
Although she is away many miles from me
Away, away I can stay no longer
The sweet Boyne water I'll have to cross
And over high hills I'll roam with pleasure
One night to be with my own true love
And if this night was as dark as dungeon
And not a star, love, oh to appear
I would be guided without a stumble
Up to the harbor where dwells my dear
And when I came to my true love's window
I stooped down low all on a stone
And through a pane I did whisper slowly
"Are you awake, love? Are you at home?"
Then she arose from her soft, down pillow
And soon uncovered her snow-white breast
Saying, "Who is there at my bedroom window
Disturbing me from my long night's rest?"
"'Tis I, 'tis I, your own true love Willy
Why don't you rise, love, and let me in?
For I am tired of my long night's journey
Besides, love, I am wet to the skin"
Then she rose up in a great hurry
And soon unlocked the door she done
And there they lay in each other's arms
Wishing the daylight would never shine in
Oh daylight, daylight is now approaching
Yon dreary mountain I'll have to climb
And I will climb it without a stumble
Leaving the arms of my own true love
"Oh you may go and ask your father
And if he's willing, my sweet bride you'll be
Oh was he says, return and tell me
For this is the last night I'll trouble thee"
"I may not go for to ask my father
For he is sitting in his lordly air
And in his right hand he holds a letter
Which reads the most part of your career"
"Oh you may go then and ask your mother
And if she's willing, my sweet bride you'll be
Oh what she says, return and tell me
For this is the last night I'll trouble thee"
"I may not go for to ask my mother
For signs of sweethearts she can't endure
So you may go and try some other
For this is the last night I'll trouble thee"
He pulled out a silver dagger
And stuck it in through his snow-white breast
Saying, "Aye, adieu to my parents
And to the young girl that I love best
Oh lay me down in yon green valley
Put a marble stone at my head and feet
And lay my true love right down beside me
Adieu, dear parents, for me don't weep"