Through bushes and through briers I lately took my way, All for to hear the small birds sing, and the lambs to skip and play. I overheard my own true-love. Her voice it was so clear. Long time I have been waiting for the coming of my dear.
I drew myself to a tree, a tree that did look green, Where the leaves shaded over us. We scarcely could be seen. I sat myself down by my love till she began to mourn. I'm of this opinion that my heart is not my own.
Sometimes I am uneasy and troubled in my mind. Sometimes I'll think I'll go to my love and tell to him my mind. And if I should go to my love, my love he will say nay. I show to him my boldness, he'd ne'er love me again.
I cannot think the reason young women love young men, For they are so false hearted young women to trepan,* For they are so false hearted young women to trepan, So the green grave shall see me, for I can't love that man.