"Oh Polly, oh Polly, Oh will you agree?
Oh will you agree and get married to me?"
"oh William, oh William, that never will do,
For I am too young to get married to you."

"Oh Polly, oh Polly, if you will agree
Before we get married some pleasure we'll see."
And he led her over mountains and valleys so deep
'Til at length pretty Polly she began for to weep.

"oh William, oh William, you're leading me astray
On purpose, my innocent heart to betray."
"Oh Polly, oh Polly, I guess you spoke right,
I was digging your grave the best part of last night."

Well she fold her arms round him without any fear
Saying "You would not harm the girl that loves you so dear".
"Oh Polly, oh Polly, you've no time to stand."
And he's drawn the long knife out all in his right hand.

And he's pierced through her heart and the blood it did flow
And into the grave her fair body did throw.
Then away from her graveside, away he did go;
He left nothing but the small birds to make their sad moan.

And he's boarded his ship and he's reeled the anchor in,
And he's up on the wave with the fairest of winds,
But while he was a-sailing to his full heart's content,
The ship sprung a leak and to the bottom then she went.

And while he was lying there all in his sad surprise,
He saw pretty Polly, she came up before his eyes.
Crying: "William, oh William, you've no time to stay;
There's a debt to the devil which you're bound for to pay."