It was happy and delightful one midsummer's morn,
When the fields and the meadows they were covered in corn,
And the blackbirds and thrushes sang on every green tree,
And the larks they sang melodious at the dawn of the day.

Said the sailor to his true love, "I am bound far away --
I am bound for the East Indies, I no longer can stay.
I am bound for the East Indies where the loud cannons roar --
I am going to leave my Nancy, she's the girl I adore."

A ring from his finger he then instantly drew,
Saying, "Take this, dearest Nancy, and my heart shall go too."
And while he embraced her tears from her eyes fell,
Saying, "May I go along with you?" -- "Oh no, my love, fare you well."

Said the sailor to his true love, "I no longer can stay,
For our topsails are hoisted and our anchor is weighed.
Our ship she lays awaiting for the next flowing tide,
And if ever I return again I will make you my bride."