The Butcher Boy





in Dublin town

where I did dwell

a butcher boy

I loved so well

he courted me

my life away

and now with me

he will not stay



I wish I wish

but I wish in vain

I wish I was

a maid again

but a maid again

I ne'er can be

till apples grow

on an ivy tree



she went upstairs

to go to bed

and calling to

her mother said

bring me a chair

till I sit down

and a pen and ink

till I write down



I wish I wish

but I wish in vain

I wish I was

a maid again

but a maid again

I ne'er can be

till apples grow

on an ivy tree



he went upstairs

and the door he broke

and found her hanging

from her rope

he took his knife

and cut her down

and in her pocket

these words he found:



"oh, make my grave

large, wide and deep

put a marble stone

at my head and feet

and in the middle

a turtle dove

so the world may know

i died of love".