[Verse 1]
I peeked in to say goodnight
And I heard my child in prayer
"And for me some scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for my hair"

[Verse 2]
All the stores were closed and shuttered
All the streets were dark and bare
In our town, no scarlet ribbons
Not one ribbon for her hair

[Bridge]
Through the night my heart was aching
Just before the dawn was breaking

[Verse 3]
I peeked in and on her bed
In gay profusion lying there
Lovely ribbons, scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair

[Verse 4]
If I live to be to hundred
I will never know from where
Came those ribbons, lovely ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair