If you are looking for the music, I have it from Herbert Hughes, Irish Country Songs, VOL IV. 1936.

These are the lyrics he collected, one of many versions, probably. I believe this version comes from West Kerry, as many of the other songs in Vol IV were referred to as being collected there.

GREEN GROWS THE LAUREL

I once had a sweetheart
But it's now I have none.
And since he has left me
I live all alone.
I live all alone,
And contented I'll be
For he loves another
Far better than me.

chorus
Green grows the laurel
and soft falls the dew,
Sad was the day, love,
I parted from you.
I hope our next meeting
Will prove kind and true.
Don't change the green laurel
For the red, white, and blue.

I wrote him a letter
All crested in red.
He wrote me an answer
And guess what he said.
"Keep your love letters,
And I will keep mine,
Write to your sweetheart,
And I'll write to mine.

chorus

I wonder and wonder
Why women love men.
I wonder and never think
How they love them.
For women are faithful,
And kind as you know,
But men are deceivers
Wherever they go.

chorus
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The tune is very similar but not quite the same as the American "Green Grow the Lilacs" (or Laurel). If you are somewhere that I can fax the music to, email to me. acflynn@mcn.net
If not, and you want the music, I will scan it and post it when I have time.

alice in montana