Michael

In the time spent in the foggy dew

With the raven and the dove

Barefoot she walked the winter streets

In search of her own true love



For she was Mary Hamilton

And lover of John Riley

And the maid of constant sorrow

And the mother of the doomed Geordie



One day by the banks of the river

Midst tears and gossamer

Sweet Michael rowed his boat ashore

And came to rescue her



And fill thee up my loving cup

Fast and to the brim

How many fair and tender maids

Could love as she could then?



For was was likened to Pretty Boy Floyd

And also John Riley

And a rake and rambling railroad boy

And the Silkie of the Sule Skerry



And there in the arms of Michael

In their stolen hour

Loud rang the bells of Rhymney

From the ancient church bell tower



And there in the night with Michael

While he lay fast asleep

She put her head to the window pane

And in the fullness of love did weep



And fill thee up my loving cup

Fast and to the brim

How many fair and tender maids

Will love as she did then?



You've heard of the House of the Rising Sun

And what careless love can do

You've heard of the wildwood flower

That fades in the morning dew



And of the ship that circles three times round

And sinks beneath the sea

You've heard of Barbary Allen

And now you've heard of me



So fill thee up my loving cup

Fast and to the brim

How many fair and tender maids

Will ever love again?