I once loved a boy and a bonny bonny boy,
I loved him I vow and protest,
I loved him so well, there's no tongue can tell,
And I made him a berth in my breast,
And I made him a berth in my breast.
All through the green wood and down the long valley
Like one who was troubled in mind,
I hallooed and I whooped and I played on my flute
But no bonny boy could I find.
I looked up high and I looked down low
The weather being wondrous warm;
And who should I spy but my own bonny boy
Held tightly in another's arms.
He took me upon his dissembling knees
He looked at me square in the face,
And he gave me a smile and he gave me a kiss
But his heart was in another place.
Now my bonny boy is across the salt sea
And I hope he may safely return;
But if he loves another better than he loves me
Let him take her, and why should I mourn?
Now the girl who's the joy of my own bonny boy
Let her make of him all that she can.
And whether he love me or whether he don't,
I'll walk with that boy now and then,
I'll walk with my boy now and then.
credits
from 52 Folk Songs: Green,
released March 10, 2012
Phil Edwards: vocal, melodica, flute
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