Flowers that weep in the valley
The harp, the lute, the fife, the flute and the cymbal
Sweet goes the treble violin
Flowers that weep in the valley.
There was a man came over the sea,
This man was clad in red
And he has courted a fair lady,
He asked if she would him wed
He asked if she would him wed.
"And have you asked my father dear?
Have you asked my sister Ann?
Likewise the one that did me bear
And also my brother John,
Have you asked my brother John?"
The harp, the lute, the fife, the flute and the cymbal
Sweet goes the treble violin
Flowers that weep in the valley. x 2
"Yes, I have asked your father dear
And I have asked your sister Ann,
Likewise the one that did thee bear,
But not your brother John,
I've not asked your brother John."
Her father led her through the hall,
Her sister led her through the closs,
Her mother danced before them all,
Her brother set her on her horse,
John set her on her horse.
The harp, the lute, the fife, the flute and the cymbal
Sweet goes the treble violin
Flowers that weep in the valley.
She leaned over the saddle-bow
To give him a kiss before she goes
- Sweet goes the treble violin -
He's taken a knife both long and sharp
And stabbed that bonny bride to the heart
- Sweet goes the treble violin -
She had not ridden through half the town
'Till her heart's blood has stained the gown
- Sweet goes the treble violin -
"Lead me gently up yon hill,
And there I'll sit and make my will"
- Sweet goes the treble violin -
"What will you leave your father dear?"
"The silver-shod steed that brought me here."
"What will you leave your mother dear?"
"My wedding shift that I do wear,
But she must wash it very clean
For my heart's blood sticks in every seam."
"What will you give your sister Ann?"
"My silken snood and my feather fan."
"What will you give your brother John?"
"A rope and gallows to hang him on."
"What will you leave your brother's wife?"
"A widow's weeds and a quiet life..."
Flowers that weep in the valley
The harp, the lute, the fife, the flute and the cymbal
Sweet goes the treble violin
Flowers that weep in the valley.
The harp, the lute, the fife, the flute and the cymbal
Sweet goes the treble violin
Flowers that weep in the valley.
Flowers that weep in the valley.
Flowers that weep in the valley.