[Verse 1]
When first in this country a stranger
Curiosity caused me to roam
Over Europe I resolved to be a ranger
When I left Philadelphia, my home

[Verse 2]
We quickly sailed over to England
Where forms of great beauty do shine
And there I espied a young woman
And I wished in my heart that she was mine

[Verse 3]
Oh, it's there I did spy this young woman
She appeared like some goddess to me
As she rose from the reeds by the water
On the green mossy banks of the Lea

[Verse 4]
I stepped up and wished her good morning
And her cheeks, well, they did blush like the rose
Says I, "How the river looks charming
And your guardian I'll be if you choose"

[Verse 5]
Says she, "Sir, I ne'er want a guardian
Young man, you are a stranger to me
And yonder's my father a-coming
O'er the green mossy banks of the Lea"
[Verse 6]
Well, I waited until up come her father
Saying, "Your daughter, a lady she'll be
She'll ride in a carriage and horses
O'er the green mossy banks of the Lea"

[Verse 7]
They invited me home to their cottage
And soon after this lady she was mine
And there I built a fine castle
In grandeur and splendour to shine

[Verse 8]
So now this American stranger
All pastime and leisure he can see
He can live with his gentle young woman
On the green mossy banks of the Lea

[Verse 9]
So it's all you young women, attention
No matter how poor you may be
Just you think on that gentle young woman
On the green mossy banks of the Lea

[Verse 1]
When first in this country a stranger
Curiosity caused me to roam
Over Europe I resolved to be a ranger
When I left Philadelphia, my home