Well I once could have married the king's third son And a fine young man was he But now I'm married to a house carpenter And a noisy old man is he.
"(but) Will you forsake your house carpenter And a go along with a me I will take you to where the grass grows green On the bank of the river deep."
"But will you have to maintain me a bound To keep me at in slavery?" "Well I have seven ships They will soon be at land And they at your command shall be."
She took her two babes by the hand And gave them kisses three Said, "Stay at home you darling little babes, Keep your father sweet company."
Now she dressed herself in her very best Like a high born lady was she She shivered and she shimmered and she proudly stepped As they walked by the banks of the sea
Well she hadn't been gone but a short, short time Until she wept for sor' "I would give all the gold in this round world Just to see my babes once more."
Well if you had all the gold and the silver too That ever did cross the sea You never would be at land anymore And your babes you will never more see
Well they hadn't been sailing but a short, short time About two weeks three or four When the ship sprang a leak and they were doomed And they were far away from the shore
"I see bright hills of heaven my dear Where angels come and go I see bright hills that tell my dear Where you and I must go."
"Well I wish I was back to my house carpenter I'm sure he would treat me well But here I am in the raging sea And my soul is bound for hell."