Abroad as I was walking
Down by the river side,
I gazed all around me,
An Irish girl I spied;
So red and rosy were her cheeks,
And yellow was her hair,
And costly were the robes of gold
My Irish girl did wear.

I wish my love was a red rose,
And in the garden grew,
And I to be the gardener; 
To her I would be true.
There's not a month throughout the year,
But love I would renew:
With lilies I would garnish her,
Sweet William, thyme, and rue.

I wish I was a butterfly,
I'd fly to my love's breast;
I wish I was a linnet,
I'd sing my love to rest;
I wish I was a nightingale,
I'd sing till morning clear,
I'd sit and sing to you, Pollie,
The girl I love so dear.

(This verse may be omitted when singing)
I wish I was at Exeter,
All seated on the grass,
With a bottle of whiskey in my hand,
And on my knee a lass.
I'd call for liquor merrily,
And pay before I go;
I'd hold her in my arms once more,
Let the wind blow high or low