A week before Easter a morn bright and clear
O, the sun it shone brightly and keen blew the air
I went to the forest to gather wildflowers
But the forest would yield me no roses

The roses are red the leaves they are green
The bushes and briars are a joy to be seen
And the small birds are singing and changing their notes
Down among the wild beasts in the forest

Now the first time I saw my love she was dressed all in white
Made my eyes run and water fair dazzled my sight
But now she has left me and shown me false play
For she's gone to be wed to another

The last time I saw my love she did in the church stand
With a ring on her finger and a glove in her hand
And I thought to myself that I could have been that man
But she’s left me and gone with some other

The parson that married them aloud he did cry
All you that forbid it I would have you stand nigh
And I thought to myself I've a good reason why
But I have not the heart to forbid it

O dig me my grave, dig it both long, wide and deep
And cover it over with flowers so sweet
And I lay me down for to take a long sleep
For that’s the best way to forget her