I am a maid that's deep in love
But, yes, I can complain
I have in this world but one true love
And Jimmy is his name
And if I do not find my love
I'll mourn most constantly
And I'll find and follow Jimmy thro'
The lands of liberty

Then I'll put up my yellow hair
Men's clothing I'll wear on
I'll sign to a bold sea captain
My passage I'll work free
And I'll find and follow Jimmy thro'
The lands of liberty

One night upon the raging seas
As we were going to bed
The captain cried "Farewell, my boy
I wish you were a maid
Your rosy cheeks and your ruby lips
They are enticing me
And I wish, Dear God, with all of my heart
A maid you were to me"

"Then hold your tongue, dear captain
Such talk is all in vain
And if, and the sailors find it out
They'll laugh and make much game
For when we reach Columbia shore
Some prettier girls you'll find
And you'll laugh and sing, and you'll court with them
For courting you are inclined"
It was not three days after
Our ship had reached the shore
"Adieu, my loving captain
Adieu forever more
For once I was a sailor on sea
But now I am a maid on shore
So adieu to you and all your crew
With you I'll sail no more"

"Come back, come back, my own pretty maid
Come back and marry me
I have ten thousand pounds in gold
And that I'll give to thee
So come back, come back, my own pretty maid
Come back and marry me"