ye muses assist me, there is none can resist me
save only that fair one whom I do adore
and the more that they tease me
the more he would please me
he'll be my greenwood laddie til time is no more
have you seen my dearest whose eyes shine the clearest
whose lips like the red blood new dropped in the snow?
he is neat tall and handsome, his arms warm and gentle
he'll be my greenwood laddie til time is no more
my parents my darling, they slight you with scorn
because you have no riches wrapped up in a store
but the more that they slight you the more I'll entice you
to be my greenwood laddie til time is no more
'twas down in yonder bower I spent many hours
a-plucking wild flowers on yon winding shore
'twas his stolen kisses caused my fondest wishes
he'll be my greenwood laddie whom I'd always adore
if I had the riches of the east or west indies
or if I had the gold of the african shore
or if I could gain thousands I would lie in your sweet arms
and you'd be my greenwood laddie til time is no more