[Verse 1]
Mother, I would marry, as I would be a bride
And I would have a young man forever at my side
For if I had a young man, oh, how happy I would be
For I am tired and, oh, so weary of my singularity

[Verse 2]
Whistle, daughter, whistle and you shall have a cow
I cannot whistle, mother, I guess I don't know how
But if I had a young man, oh, how happy I would be
For I am tired and, oh, so weary of my propriety

[Verse 3]
Whistle, daughter, whistle and you shall have a sheep
I cannot whistle, mother, I can only weep
But if I had a young man, oh, how happy I would be
For I am tired and, oh, so weary of my virginity

[Verse 4]
Whistle, daughter, whistle and you shall have a man
I cannot whistle
You impudent little daughter, and what makes you whistle now?
I'd rather whistle for a man than whistle for a cow