Father was a Spanish Merchant And before he went to sea Made me promise to say "No sir" to all you say to me No sir, no sir, no sir, no sir I know your father was against me Should he not return from sea And they say you have no mother Would you then say no to me? No sir, no sir, no sir, no sir Yes, I know I have no mother Should father not return from sea Then you see I have a brother Who would take good care of me No sir, no sir, no sir, no sir If we were walking in the garden Plucking roses wet with dew Would you be in any way offended If I walked and talked with you? No sir, no sir, no sir, no sir I know the world is very cruel If you have no one to care But I always will say no sir Until from father I do hear No sir, no sir, no sir, no sir As we tarry in the garden And I linger by your side Would you tell me I must leave you And refuse to be my bride? No sir, no sir, no sir, no sir No sir, no sir, no sir, no no