"John Riley" is tells the old tale of a stranger returning from the sea to seek his sweetheart but is unrecognized when he finally finds her. All turns out well of course, for the stranger has become rich enough to marry his intended and everybody lives happily ever after. Its theme is very similar to The Sailor's Return but the tune is quite different.
This song was found in 100 Best Folk Songs For Recorder along with Arkansas Traveler and Black is the color of my true love's hair when looking for something to perform with Maike Weyerts. Here I accompany Maike with my concertina.

Lyrics