O Johnny, Johnny, but love is bonny,
A little while when it is new,
But when it's old, love, it groweth cold, love,
And fades away like the morning dew.
O Johnny, Johnny, but you are nice, love,
In keeping company with me so long,
You are the first boy that e'er I had, love,
So kiss me, Johnny, before you gang.
One kiss of my lips you ne'er shall get, love,
For you have caused me sore to sigh,
Nor will I grant you that sweet request, love,
That oftentimes you did me deny.
If you would grant that sweet request, love,
My heart, on you, I might then bestow,
But as good a lover as you may come, love,
So I'll not hinder for you to go.
For I have stepped the steps of love, dear,
And I have stepped a step too low,
Was it to be done that I have tried,
It would never be done by me, I know.
It's over the moss you need not cross, love,
And over the moor you need not ride,
For I have gotten a new sweetheart, love,
And you may go get yourself a bride.
For love does come and love does go,
Like a little small bird unto it's nest,
Was I to tell you, love, all I know, love,
They're far away that I love the best.