As I was a-walking one morning in May A-viewing wild flowers, all Nature seemed gay I spied a young couple on Erin's green shore They were viewing the ocean where the wild billows roar
He said "Pretty Polly you're the girl I adore For to be parted from you it grieves my heart sore Your parents are rich love and angry with me And if I tarry with you, I ruined will be"
She's dressed herself up in a suit of men's clothes And to her old father immediately goes She's purchased a ship and laid down the demand It was little he knew it was his own daughter's hand
She went to her true love and this she did say "Rise up lovely Johnny, there's no time to stay They've hoisted their topsails and hurrahed with joy And away o'er the ocean sailed the Lady Leroy"
When her father found out how he cursed and did swear He sent for his captain and bid him prepare For to seek them and find them and their lives destroy For they ne'er should enjoy his proud Lady Leroy
The captain was pleased with his orders to go For to seek them and find them like some wandering foe He spied a fair vessel with her colours let fly He hailed her and found she was the Lady Leroy
He's bade them return to old Ireland once more Or broadside and broadside upon them would pour This brave Irish hero has made this reply "We will never surrender, We'll conquer or die"
So it's broadside and broadside each other did pour And louder and louder the cannons did roar This brave Irish hero has gained victory Hurrah for true lovers - may they always run free
They've landed in Boston that city of fame Of the other shop's commander I'll mention no name Here's a health to pretty Polly, long may she enjoy Her bravest of heroes and her Lady Leroy