Once I knew a pretty girl,
I loved her all my life
I’d gladly give my heart and hand
To make her my wife
To make her my wife.

She took me by the hand
She led me to the door
She put her arms around me
Saying please don’t come no more
Saying please don’t come no more.

Well I’d not been gone but about six months
When she did complain
She wrote me a letter
Saying please come back again
Saying please come back again.

Well, I wrote her back an answer
Just for to let her know
That no young man should venture
Where once he could not go
Where once he could not go.

So come all you young lovers,
A warning take by me
And never place your affections
On a green growing tree.

For the leaves they will wither
The flowers they will decay
And the beauty of a fair maid
Will soon fade away
Will soon fade away.