From a barque in the harbour I went roaming on shore

And stepped into a pub where I was oft times before

And as I was sitting and enjoying my glass

Who chanced to walk in but a young Spanish lass

She sat down beside me and kept squeezing my hand

Saying 'Sir you're a stranger not long to this land'

Will you roam, Johnny Sailor, would you roam along with me

To some lonesome spot where nobody can see



[Chorus:]

'Don't you leave me Johnny Sailor' were the words she did cry

Waving and weeping and wiping her eyes

When you reach home in your own Newfoundland

Think of the young Spaniard who kept squeezing your hand



I quickly consented with her for to roam

She lived by herself in a neat little home

She was brisk, plump and jolly and her age scare 19

And the name of that maiden I think was Irene



One fine summer's morning our ship, she set sail

And down by the seashore lovely Irene she came

Waving her pocket hankerchief and wiping her eyes

'Don't leave me Johnny Sailor' were the words she did cry



[Chorus]



I'll give you farewell love on a fine summer's breeze

But love don't forget me when you're crossing the sea

And when you are married and enjoying your bride

Think on the young maiden who lay by your side



[Chorus]