Oh Come all ye maids who live at a distance

Many's a mile from off your sway

Come and assist me this very moment

For to pass away some time

Singing sweetly and completely

Songs of pleasure and of love

For me heart is with him altogether

Though I live not where I love



When I sleep I dream about you

When I wake I take no rest

Every moment thinking on you

My heart o'er fixed in your breast

But although far distance

May be of assistance

If from my mind your love remove

For me heart is with him altogether

Though I live not where I love



All the world shall be of one religion

All living things shall cease to die

If ever I should prove false to my jewel

Or any way his love deny

Oh the world shall change, and be most strange

If from my mind your love remove

For me heart is with him altogether

Though I live not where I love



So farewell lads and farewell lassies

Now I think I've made my choice

I will away to yonder mountain

Where I think I hear his voice

And if he hollars I will follow

Around the world though 'tis so wide

For young Thomas he did promise

I should be his lawful bride



Oh Come all ye maids who live at a distance

Many's a mile from off your sway

Come and assist me this very moment

For to pass away some time

Singing sweetly and completely

Songs of pleasure and of love

For me heart is with him altogether

Though I live not where I love



Traditional