As I roved out one fine May morning,

To view the meadows and flowers gay,

Who should I spy, but my own true lover

As she sat by yon willow tree.


I took off my hat and I did salute her,

I did salute her most courageously.

As she turned around, the tears fell from her

Saying, False young man, you've deluded me.

And the diamond ring I behold I gave to you,

A diamond ring to wear on your right hand.

But the vows you made, love, you went and broke them

And you wed the lassie who has the land


If I wed the lassie who has the land, my love,

It's that I'll rue 'till the day I die.

When misfortune falls, sure the man my shun it.

It was my fault, that I'll not deny.


And at night when I go to my bed of slumber

The thoughts of my love are in my mind.

As I turn around to embrace my darling,

instead of gold, sure 'tis brass I find.


And I wish the queen would bring home her armies

From the West Indies, America and Spain.

And every man to his wedded woman

Oh in hopes that I might be with thee again