A blacksmith courted me
For nine months or better
And when he'd won my heart
He wrote me a letter
With his hammer in his hand
He looked so clever
Were I with my love
I would live forever

That's not what you promised me
When you did lie by me
You said you'd marry me
Never deny me
If I said I'd marry you
T'was only to try you
So bring your witness in
And I'll not deny you

Witnesses have I none
But the Almighty
And He'll surely punish you
For the slightin' of me
Looking in the glass
Makes my poor heart tremble
To think I loved a man
Who proved deceitful

[Interlude]

My love's across the fields
With cheeks like roses
My love's across the fields
Seeking primroses
I fear the scorching sun
Will spoil his beauty
Were I with my love
He would do his duty

Strange news has come to me
Strange news is carried
And now it's all the talk
My love has married
I wish them both much joy
Though they can't hear me
But I never shall die for love
Young men believe me