I Wish the Wars Were All Over

Down by deep water where sweet lily stand
I saw pretty Polly wringing her hands
The song that she sang made the whole grove to ring
My Billy has left me to fight for a king
And I wish the wars were all over

I stood in the banks to hear what she said
I'll follow my Billy whether living or dead
The notes that she sang were the nightingale's notes
How the lark and the linnet they warble their throats
And I wish the wars were all over

I said my dear Polly if you'll stay with me
I'll make you as happy as happy can be
Oh no then she said, that never can be
I'll never be happy til my Billy I see
And I wish the wars were all over

And now from my parents I'll haste and away
I rid myself out in a young man's array
And every company that I pass by
I'll ask for my Billy or where he does lie
And I wish the wars were all over
And I wish the wars were all over