Lyrics:

It was early, early* in the spring
When my love Willy went to serve the king.
And all that vexed him or grieved his mind
Was the leavin' of his dear girl behind.

Oh, father dear, built me a boat
That on the ocean I might float.
And view** the ships, as they pass me by,
And to inquire, of my sailor boy.

She had not sailed long in the deep
When a fine ships crew, she changed to meet
And of the captain she inquired to (?)
Does my love Willy sail on board with you?

What sort of lad, is your Willy fair?
What sort of clothes does your Willy wear?
He wears a coat of royal blue,
And you'll easily know him, for his heart is true.

If that's your Willy, he is not here,
I doubt he's drowned, as we do fear
'T was at yonder green island, as we passed by
It was there we lost a fine sailor boy.

****Oh, dig my grave long, wide, and deep.
Put a marble stone at my head and feet,
And in the middle, a turtle dove,
So the whole world knows, that I die (d) for love.