Dearest Johnny
Heidi Talbot Lyrics

It was down in the green valley, in the pleasant month of June,
The story takes place in June in a beautiful, green valley where nature is vibrant, which sets the scenery for an unfolding love story.

All the birds were sweetly singing, all of nature was in tune.
The natural environment is in perfect harmony, and even the birds seem to sing a love song.

It was there I found my Johnny, he's a man I dared adore,
The singer meets Johnny and falls deeply in love with him, even though this act of daring could lead to heartbreak.

For he was my only fancy; I could love no more.
To the artist, Johnny is the only one in the world, and she could never love anyone else as deeply as she loves him.

Saying, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, please be kind and marry me.
The artist begs Johnny to marry her even though she doesn't have much to offer except for the all-consuming love that she has towards him.

I have no stores of riches, but I've stores of love for thee.
The singer does not have wealth, but what she does have is an immeasurable amount of love that she wants to share with Johnny.

And there's richer girls than I, but none will ever love you more.
Despite the fact that there are richer girls than her, the singer believes that her love for Johnny is worth more than any material wealth that they may possess.

And if I had gold like mountains, it would be forever yours."
The artist assures Johnny that if she had mountains of gold, she would give it all to him and their love would remain unbroken.

"For to have you in my life, it would mean the world to me.
The artist tells Johnny that his presence in her life means everything to her, and she would do anything to have him by her side.

Though I am not the richest girl, I can dance and sing."
The artist may not have material wealth, but she has talents and abilities that she can share with Johnny.

"I am for a rich young one, and I'll have you to be gone.
Johnny's love to the singer is not enough reason for her to stay with him because her preference is for a rich partner.

For your riches will not last me, and your love will soon cool down."
The artist fears that if they stay together, Johnny's wealth will not last, and their love will fade as a result.

Oh, must I go in sorrow? Must I lament for thee,
After Johnny leaves the singer, she feels sad and heartbroken.

Who does not grieve or think of me? My woe is plain to see.
The singer feels that Johnny is not as affected by their breakup as she is, and it's clear to everyone around her.

That I am broken-hearted; I wear no willow green.
The singer is heartbroken after Johnny left, and she shows no sign of her sadness outwardly since she doesn't wear a willow green.

When seven months had passed, he inclined to change his mind,
Seven months after leaving the artist, Johnny has a change of heart.

And he wrote to me a letter, thinking that I would proclaim.
Johnny writes a letter to the artist, hoping to win her back.

Saying, "You're my own true love, and I hope you will forgive,
Johnny admits that the singer is the only love of his life, and he hopes she can forgive him for leaving.

And grant to me the favor of my heart and hand receive."
Johnny wants the singer to accept his apologies and resume their relationship.

Come all you wild young men and a warning take by me,
The artist advises all young men to learn from Johnny's mistakes.

Never slight your own true love while she is kind and free.
The artist warns young men never to take their true love for granted, especially when she is kind and open.

I said, "Oh, my dearest Johnny, it's for you I do not grieve.
The artist tells Johnny that she is no longer heartbroken and he is no longer the center of her world.

For there's other men more suited, and I'll take care of your need.
The singer has moved on and wants Johnny to leave her alone, she knows that there are better partners out there for both of them.

For your riches will not last and beauty will decay.
The artist reminds Johnny again that wealth and physical beauty are temporary, so he shouldn't be so concerned about them.