“Oh, No, John” Sheet Music (pdf).
“Oh, No, John” Karaoke (midi with lyrics).
Performer: Paul Robeson.
Lyrics: Traditional.
Tune: Traditional.
On yonder hill, there stands a creature.
Who she is, I do not know.
I will court her for her beauty.
She must answer “yes” or “no.”
“Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no!”
“My father was a Spanish captain.
He went to sea a month ago.
First, he kissed me. Then, he left me,
Bidding me always answer ‘no’.”
“Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no!”
“Oh, madam, in your face is beauty.
On your lips, red roses grow.
Will you take me for your lover?
Madam, answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”
“Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no!”
“Oh, madam, I will give you jewels.
I will make you rich and free.
I will give you silken dresses.
Madam, will you marry me?”
“Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no!”
“Oh, madam, since you are so cruel
And since you do scorn me so
If I may not be your lover,
Madam, will you let me go?”
“Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no!”
“Then, I will stay with you forever
If you will not be unkind.
Madam, I have vowed to love you.
Would you have me change my mind?”
“Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no!”
“Oh, hark, I hear the church bells ringing.
Will you come and be my wife?
Or, dear madam, have you settled
To live single all your life?”
“Oh, no, John, no, John, no, John, no!”