It was on one Monday morning and oh and it was soon
I bought my pretty Betty a pair of new shoes
A pair of new shoes and slippers also
But I lost my pretty Betty by courting too slow
I lost my pretty Betty by courting too slow

I bought my pretty Betty a garland of green
And ribbons that you wear so fair to be seen
And rings for her fingers all made of glitt'ring gold
But I lost my pretty Betty by not being bold
I lost my pretty Betty by not being bold

It was on one Tuesday evening and oh and it was late
I fain would have kissed her but I was too straight
I was thinking how to gain her consent to be true
I lost my pretty Betty by courting too slow

For in there come a sailor all in his tarry shoes
He went into the chamber where my true love was
He kissed her and he flattered her, he flattered her so
He fair won the day by my courting too slow
He fair won the day by my courting too slow

So come all you bold fellows and pray take my advice
And when you go a-courting now don't you be too nice
But you kiss all them pretty girls and you let them for to know
That you don't mean to lose them by courting too slow
That you don't mean to lose them by courting too slow