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Johnny German 
Johnny German 
As I walked out one morning All for to take the air, It's there I spied a pretty fair maid; Her countenance looked quite sad. 
I says, "'My pretty fair maid, What's the cause of your sad woe!" "My true love's gone and left me, And where I do not know. He's left me no true token Whether he'll return or no." 
Perhaps I've seen your true love The last time I've been to sea. He was proper, tall, and handsome. They call him Handsome John. 
"He sails aboard of the Rainbow, And under Captain Roe; His name is Johnny German, Is that the lad or no?" 
When this fair maid heard this news She fairly jumped for joy, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
"Come tell to me immediately Whether he's alive or no." "Your true love Johnny German Just died five months ago." 
When this fair maid heard this news She fell in deep despair, A wringing of her lily-white hands, And a tearing of her hair. 
She betook unto her chamber, And on her bed did lie With a sad lamentation, And wishing she could die. 
When her true love came to know How he'd treated her severe, How he'd treated her Although she loved him so dear, 
He dressed himself in scarlet, And to pretty Polly did go With a kind resolution To welcome her sad woe. 
"Open the door, pretty Polly, And leave your tears behind, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
"I only done it to try you, To see if you'd prove true, For I never met with a pretty fair maid Could gain my heart but you!" 
She's lovelier than the morning, She's beautiful as the rose; On Polly's lovely bosom There lies a sweet repose. 
Adieu to the gallant Rainbow Since Polly has won my heart. We'll be joined together That nothing but death can part. 
From Ballads and Sea Songs from Nova Scotia, Mackenzie Collected from John Rogers DT #467 Laws N43 RG oct96