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[Verse]
N.C. Am G F C Em
As I walked out one morning, all in the month of May
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Down by a flowery garden, I carelessly did stray
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I overheard a young maid, in sorrow did complain
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All for her absent lover, who ploughs the raging main
[Verse]
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I boldly stepped up to her and put her in surprise
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I know she did not know me, I being in disguise
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I says, "Me charming creature, my joy, my heart's delight
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How far have you to travel this dark and dreary night?"
[Verse]
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"I'm in search of a faithless young man, Johnny is his name
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And along the Banks of Claudy, I'm told he does remain"
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"This is the Banks of Claudy, fair maid, whereon you stand
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But don't depend on Johnny, for he's a false young man
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Oh, don't depend on Johnny, for he'll not meet you here
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But tarry with me in yon greenwood, no danger need you fear
[Verse]
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Oh, it's six long weeks or better since Johnny left the shore
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He's crossing the wild ocean where the foam and the billows roar
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He's crossing the wild ocean for honour and for fame
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But this I've heard, the ship was wrecked all on the coast of Spain"
[Instrumental]
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[Verse]
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Oh, it's when she heard this dreadful news, she flew into despair
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By the wringing of her milk white hands and the tearing of her hair
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"Say, if Johnny, he is drowned, no man on earth I'll take
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But through lonesome groves and valleys, I'll wander for his sake"
[Verse]
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Oh, it's when he saw her loyalty, no longer could he stand
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He flew into her arms saying, "Betsy, I'm the man"
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Saying, "Betsy, I'm the young man, the cause of all your pain
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But since we've met on Claudy Banks, we'll never part again"
[Outro]
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