I am a child of the valley
An innocent maiden, you see
And I am a desperate Desmond
I own all the town property
Though you pursue me through hill and through dell
You know I'm wise to your game
Now listen, me gal, you will wed me or else ...
No, never, for think of the shame!
No! No! A thousand times no!
I'd rather die than say yes
You are a poisonous villain
Why don't you leave me alone?
Either you'll join me in wedlock
Or else I'll kick you out of your home!
You know my people are feeble and old
And they need a roof o'er their head
Ah, winter will soon bring the cold and the snow
But I'll defy you till I'm dead!
No! No! A thousand times no!
I'd rather die than say yes
At night I'll creep up to your window
And I know how you can creep
And I'll steal you out of your boudoir
And kidnap you while fast asleep
I'll tie you down to the old railroad track
When the milk train is rushing downhill
I know, you villain, my future looks black
You buzzard, my answer is still:
No! No! A thousand times no!
I'd rather die than say yes
I love the young village blacksmith
A muscular he-man is he
If he knew his love was in danger
Right to the rescue he'd be
Here I am, darling, in the nick of time
To take you and make you my wife
But I warn you, blacksmith, this maiden is mine
Away with you, not on your life
No! No! A thousand times no!
I'd rather she'd die than say yes
This is the end of my story
My honour is left without stain
I'll take you straight to the altar
The villain we'll foil once again (curse you!)
I'll pay the mortgage for you, my sweetheart
And we'll live with your folks right away
And I'll be contented, though simple and plain
And no more will I have to say:
No! No! A thousand times no!
I'd rather die than say yes!