I peeked in to say good-night

When I heard my child in prayer

"And for me, some scarlet ribbons

Scarlet ribbons for my hair."


All the stores were closed and shuttered

All the streets were dark and bare

In our town, no scarlet ribbons

Not one ribbons for her hair.


Through the night my heart was aching

Just before the dawn was breaking.


I peeked in and on her bed

In gay profusion lying there

Lovely ribbons, scarlet ribbons

Scarlet ribbons for her hair.


If I live to be a hundred

I will never know from where

Came those lovely scarlet ribbons

Scarlet ribbons for her hair...