English poem
My Bonny Joe is Gone to Sea
by Anonymous
In vain the broom blooms fresh and gay, No joy the spring affords to me: My love is gone, ah, well-a-day! My bonny Joe is gone to sea.
The lad was nature's pride and boast, But fortune smil'd not at his birth; My cruel dad our love has cross'd; He knew not half my sailor's worth.
Dear lass, he cry'd, more wealth to gain, I leave my love awhile to mourn; But bright is pleasure after pain, And blest we'll be when I return.
The hour is near, so blithe and gay, That brings my Joe to love and me; No more I'll cry, Ah, well-a-day! When my dear Joe returns from sea.