Beware you brave heroes that handle the gun
Take care of wild ramblings by the setting of the sun
Have you not heard of the accident that happened of late
Poor young molly vaughan, so tragic was her fate

She was going to her uncles' when a shower came on,
And she’s hid ‘neath a green bush this weather to shun
Her young love johnny out a’hunting he’s mistook her for a swan
With her apron wrapped round her, and he has shot molly vaughan

“Oh molly, I love you, you’re my only delight,
And if your heart would but beat again, I’d wed you this night”
It’s many a salt tear on her bosom he’s shed
Till with a sigh to his father like lightening he’s fled

“Oh father, for great misfortune I can no longer stay”
“Oh johnny, lovely johnny, do not run away
Don’t leave your home country ‘til your trial comes on
For you’ll not be convicted for the death of a swan”

There was judge and there was jury, but no-one could see
And the vice-lord like thunder said “hanged he must be”
But like a fountain of snow, molly’s vision did appear
Saying “let all those who witness know johnny is cleared”

Now johnny roams near the place his true love was slain
He weeps bitter tears but his tears are in vain
And he’ll look on the lake at the swans gliding by
As the sun slowly sinks in the grey evening sky