Early one mornin' one mornin' in spring

To hear the birds whistle the nightingales sing

I met a fair maiden who sweetly did sing

I'm going to be married next monday morning.



How old are you my fair young maid,

Here in this valley this valley so green

How old are you my fair young maid,

I'm goin' to be sixteen next monday mornin'.



Well sixteen years old, that's too young for to marry

So take my advice, five years longer to tarry

For marriage brings troubles and sorrows begin

So put off your wedding for monday mornin'.



You talk like a mad man, a man with no skill

Two years i've been waiting against my own will

Now i'm determined to have my own way

And i'm going to be married next monday mornin'



And next monday mornin' the bells they will ring

And my true love will buy me a gay gold ring

Also he'll buy me a new pretty gown

To wear at my wedding next monday mornin'



Next monday night when i go to my bed

And i turn round to the man that i've wed

Around his middle my two arms i will fling,

And i wish to my soul it was monday mornin'.


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