Oh, my Billy, my constant Billy,
When shall I see my Billy again?
When the fish fly over the mountains,
That's when I'll see my Billy again!
Billy again, Billy again,
Billy again, Billy again,
When the fish fly over the mountains,
That's when I'll see my Billy again!
When the hills and lofty mountains
And the vales were hid in snow,
By a murm'ring crystal fountain
Where the lonely water flow,
There fair Flora sat complaining
At the absence of her swain,
Crying, “Billy, constant Billy,
Must we never meet again?”
She who sang so sweet and charming
Made the lofty skys rebound.
Gods in pity hear her ditty
And like mortals her surround.
Cupid and the queen of beauty
Promised to bring back the swain,
Saying, “Flora, lovely creature,
Billy shall come home again.
“When the winter storms are over
He shall then return to you;
On the banks of pinks and lilies
You your pleasures shall renew.
To the tabor lambs shall caper,
Larks and linnets they shall sing;
Welcome Billy, charming Billy,
Welcome dearest home again.”