There were three ladies played at ballGreen grow the lily OThey were virgins maidens allAnd the rose is sweet and merryThere came a young red knightGreen grow the lily OTo take another as his brideAnd the rose is sweet and merry“You must ask of my father dearGreen grow the lily OAnd the mother that did me bearAnd the rose is sweet and merry“You must ask of my brother JohnGreen grow the lily OAnd you must ask my sisters everyone.”And the rosе is sweet and merry“I have asked of your fathеr dearGreen grow the lily OAnd the mother that did you bearAnd the rose is sweet and merry“I have asked of your lover JohnGreen grow the lily OI have asked your sisters everyone.”And the rose is sweet and merryHer father led her to the doorGreen grow the lily OAnd her brother gave her a death woundAnd the rose is sweet and merryOh the horse she rode it was pitch blackGreen grow the lily OAnd her brother rode at the backAnd the rose is sweet and merry“Ride on, you false young manGreen grow the lily OFor I fear your bride looks awf'lly wanAnd the rose is sweet and merry“Ride on and never failGreen grow the lily OFor I fear your bride looks awf'lly pale.”And the rose is sweet and merryThey rode to the riversideGreen grow the lily OAnd there she laid down and diedAnd the rose is sweet and merry“What'll you leave your mother dear?”Green grow the lily O“Oh the bridal dress that I do wear.”And the rose is sweet and merry“Take it down to yonder streamGreen grow the lily OMy heart's blood runs in every seam”And the rose is sweet and merry“What'll you leave your brother's wife?”Green grow the lily O“Oh to mourn and grieve in all her life.”And the rose is sweet and merry“What'll you leave your brother John?”Green grow the lily O“Oh a hangman's noose to hang him on.”And the rose is sweet and merry
