When first in this country, a stranger, I came
In fair Dublin city, that place of great fame
It was my misfortune a fair one to see
It was the beginning of my misery

Green grows the laurel and sweet falls the dew
Sorry I was when I parted from you
But by our next meeting I hope you'll prove true
And we'll love one another, as lovers should do

If I were a clerk and could handle a pen
I would write my love a letter, to her I would send
Saying, Keep your own love, dear, and I will keep mine
Write to your sweetheart, and I'll write to mine

Green grow the rushes and the tops of them small
And love is a thing that can conquer us all
The tulip may wellow, it may fade and die soon
But the red rose will flourish in the sweet month of June

O can't you love little, o can't you love long
Can't you love a new love till your old one returns
Can't you say that you love him, his mind for to ease
And when his back's turned, can't you love who you please ?

Green grows the laurel and sweet falls the dew
Sorry I was when I parted from you
But by our next meeting I hope you'll prove true
And we'll love one another, as lovers should do