Papa, Papa, build me a boat,
So on this river I can float.
Every ship I chance to see
I'll inquire of Sweet Willie.
Captain, Captain tell me true,
Does Sweet Willie sail with you?
No, oh no, he don't sail with me,
He got drownded in the deep blue sea.
I'm a-goin' away, little darlin' girl,
I'm a-goin' away for awhile,
But I will return to you, sweetheart,
Should I go ten thousand mile.
Stars may rule the oceans, sweetheart,
And heavens may cease to be,
This earth will lose its motion, sweetheart,
Should I prove false to thee.
