While balancing the books of the Mandarin
I'll fall in love with you, and anger him
How could his daughter, beautiful Koong-se
Fall in love with me, a secretary?

O willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life is killing me
Willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life

The mandarin kicks me out, erects a poison fence
Around the garden where, at water's edge
You'll find the tiny sailing boat
And in it, with a bead, the lines I wrote

O willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life is killing me
Willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life

Your father tries to hitch you with a goon
But in disguise I slip into your room
We lie and kiss at water's edge
Then steal away across the big blue bridge

O willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life is killing me
Willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life
Your father's spies discover us
In the house upriver, making love
I'm swept away, you'll think I've drowned
But, a few days later, I'll return

You'll climb into my boat, I'll row with all my might
To the little island where I'll write
The manuscripts that seal our fate
And bring your father's soldiers to our gate

They'll put me to the sword, you will also die
Burning in the house we lie inside
Touched by our passion, and our love
The gods transform us into two white doves

O willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life is killing me
Willow tree, willow tree
The pattern of my life