There were three ladies played at ball
Green grow the lily O
They were virgins maidens all
And the rose is sweet and merry
There came a young red knight
Green grow the lily O
To take another as his bride
And the rose is sweet and merry
“You must ask of my father dear
Green grow the lily O
And the mother that did me bear
And the rose is sweet and merry
“You must ask of my brother John
Green grow the lily O
And you must ask my sisters everyone.”
And the rosе is sweet and merry
“I have asked of your fathеr dear
Green grow the lily O
And the mother that did you bear
And the rose is sweet and merry
“I have asked of your lover John
Green grow the lily O
I have asked your sisters everyone.”
And the rose is sweet and merry
Her father led her to the door
Green grow the lily O
And her brother gave her a death wound
And the rose is sweet and merry
Oh the horse she rode it was pitch black
Green grow the lily O
And her brother rode at the back
And the rose is sweet and merry
“Ride on, you false young man
Green grow the lily O
For I fear your bride looks awf'lly wan
And the rose is sweet and merry
“Ride on and never fail
Green grow the lily O
For I fear your bride looks awf'lly pale.”
And the rose is sweet and merry
They rode to the riverside
Green grow the lily O
And there she laid down and died
And 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 stream
Green grow the lily O
My 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
