There was a youth, a cruel youth
He lived beside the sea,
Six pretty maidens he drowned there
By the lonely willow tree.

As he walked forth with Sally Brown,
As he walked by the sea;
An evil thought then came to him
By the lonely willow tree.

Now turn your back to the waterside
Your face to the willow tree
Six pretty maidens I've drowned here
And you the seventh shall be

But first take off your golden gown
Take off your gown, said he
For though I am going to murder you
I'd not spoil your finery.

Then turn around, you false young man
"Then turn around, said she
"For it is is not right that such a youth
A naked woman should see

Then 'round he turned that false young man
'Round about turned he.
And seizing him boldly in both her arms,
She cast him into the sea.

Lie there, lie there, you false young man
Lie there, lie there, said she
For six pretty maidens you've drowned here
Go keep them company

He sank beneath the icy waves
He sank down into the sea
No living thing that'll tear for him
Save that lonely willow tree