Oh I loved a lass and I loved her so well
And I hated all others who of her spoke ill.
But now she's rewarded me well for my love,
She's a gone to be wed to another.
When I saw my love, to the church go
With bride and bride maidens she made a fine show.
I followed her on with a heart full of woe
She's a gone to be wed to another.
When I saw my love sit down to dine.
I sat down beside her and I poured out the wine.
I drank to the lassie that should have been mine,
She's a gone to be wed to another.
And the men in the forest they asked of me,
Saying, "How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?"
I answered them back with a tear in my eye,
"How many ships sail in the forest?"