So early, early in the spring I shipped on board to serve my king I left my dearest dear behind She oft' times swore her heart was mine My love she takes me by the hand “If ever I marry, you'll be the man" A thousand vows so long and sweet Sayin' "we'll be married when next we meet" And all the time I sailed the seas I could not find one moment's ease In thinkin of my dearest dear And never a word from her could I hear At last we sailed into Glasgow town I strode the streets both up and down Inquiring for my dearest dear And never a word from her could I hear I went straightway to her father's hall And loudly for my love did call “My daughter's married, she's a rich man's wife She’s wed to another, much better for life" If the girl is married that I adore I'm sure I'll stay on land no more I'll sail the sea till the day I die I'll break the waves rollin' mountains high