Bonny labouring Boy

It was early one May morning down in some shady grove I heard a lovely maid complain so grieved as I've been told 'Oh cruel were my parents, they do me so annoy For they would not let me marry my bonny labouring boy Oh my bonny labouring boy, oh my bonny labouring boy They would not let me marry my bonny labouring boy.'

It was early one May morning down in the shady grove Pondering their hearts together some lovely band of love Her father he came up to her, he took her by the hand He swore he’d send young Johnny into some foreign lands ‘He locked me in my bedroom my troubles to annoy But he would not let me marry my bonny labouring boy Oh my bonny labouring boy’, etc.

‘My mother came next morning and unto me did say “Your father has appointed and fixed your wedding day.” But boldly I made answer and unto her did say “Now single will I still remain for my bonny labouring boy Oh my bonny labouring boy”, etc.

‘So fill your glasses to the brim and drink so merrily round Here’s a health to every labouring boy that ploughs and sows the ground And when his day’s work’s over it’s oh my riddle and joy So happy is the girl that weds my bonny labouring boy Oh my bonny labouring boy’, etc.