Johnny Todd

Lyrics

Johnny Todd

There are many versions of this song lodged at Cecil Sharpe House. Some versions are from Somerset others from Dorset, here’s mine.

Johnny Todd he had
a notion for to sail
He left his love behind
How she did weep and wail

For a week she wept full sore
tore her hair, wrung her hands
’till another sailor boy
she met walking on the sands

Fair maid why do you weep
For your Johnny gone to sea
Tomorrow marry me
Constant, kind I’ll be

I will buy you sheets,
I will buy you a wedding ring
A gilded cradle too
For to rock our baby in

Johnny Todd came home
From sailing the ocean wide
He found his fair, false love
She was another’s bride

You men who go and sail
Or fight a foreign foe
Don’t leave your love behind
Marry her before you go
Don’t leave your love behind
Like dear old Johnny Oh

Emilly Frank Hayes – Vocals
Paul Hayes – all instruments and vocal