Johnny by Benjamin Britten Lyrics

O the valley in the summer where I and my John
Beside the deep river would walk on and on
While the flowers at our feet and the birds up above
Argued so sweetly on reciprocal love
And I leaned on his shoulder; 'O Johnny, let's play':
But he frowned like thunder and he went away

O that Friday near Christmas as I well recall
When we went to the Charity Matinee Ball
The floor was so smooth and the band was so loud
And Johnny so handsome I felt so proud;
'Squeeze me tighter, dear Johnny, let's dance till it's day':
But he frowned like thunder and he went away

Shall I ever forget at the Grand Opera
When music poured out of each wonderful star?
Diamonds and pearls they hung dazzling down
Over each silver and golden silk gown;
'O John I'm in heaven,' I whispered to say:
But he frowned like thunder and he went away
O but he was fair as a garden in flower
As slender and tall as the great Eiffel Tower
When the waltz throbbed out on the long promenade
O his eyes and his smile they went straight to my heart;
'O marry me, Johnny, I'll love and obey':
But he frowned like thunder and he went away

O last night I dreamed of you, Johnny, my lover
You'd the sun on one arm and the moon on the other
The sea it was blue and the grass it was green
Every star rattled a round tambourine;
Ten thousand miles deep in a pit there I lay:
But you frowned like thunder and you went away