Lonely I walked by the banks of the river
Watching the sunbeams as evening drew nigh
As onward I rambled, I spied a fair damsel.
She was weeping and wailing with many a sigh.
Crying for one who was now lying lonely.
Sighing for one who no mortal could save.
The dark rolling waters flow gently all around him.
And onward she walked o're to young Jimmy's grave.
She cried "Oh my darling won't you come to my arms,
And give me fond kisses like oft times before
You promised to meet this evening my darling
So now lovely Jimmy, arise from your grave."
Slowly he rose from the banks of the river.
A vision of beauty far fairer than the sun
Pink and red were the garments all around him
As on to this fair maid to speak he began.
"Vain were the hopes that arose in my bosom.
And nothing, oh nothing on earth could be saved
My last dying thoughts were of God and you darling
Till death took me down to this deep silent grave.
One fond embrace love and then I must leave you.
One loving farewell and then I must part."
Cold were the arms that encircled all around her.
Cold was the form that she pressed to her heart.
Slowly he rose from the banks of the river
And up to the sky he then seemed to go.
She cried, "Oh my darling, my lost Jimmy Whelan
I'll lie down and die at the side of your grave.