Wow! Another Steven's Ranch-er... but I probably predate you by a few years lol

It's amazing that this song has so many variations, but it's really the same song at the core. That's oral traditions at work right there.

Our version

Rose, Rose, Rose, Rose
Will I ever see thee wed?
I shall marry at thy will, sire
At thy will.

The wind in the willows
Sighs like a solitary soul alone
The wind in the willows
Sighs like a solitary soul alone

Ah poor bird
Take thy flight
Up high above the sorrows of
This sad night.

Hey ho, nobody's home
Meat, nor drink, nor money have I none
But I will still be merry
Hey ho, nobody's home

Ding dong ding dong
Wedding bells on a September morn
Carve thy name on a moss covered stone
A moss covered stone

I always felt it was a story of a girl who was forced into a wedding by her father. Judging by the language, it would be during a time period where an arranged marriage is not rare. This was especially true since the final verse was in the same haunting, heavy melody from the first verse rather than something celebratory. I don't know... I always loved the feeling of singing it. It was one of my favorite campfire songs to teach the girls. This one, Tumbalalaika (woah, no idea how to spell that one) aka the Riddle, and Bah-Na-Nah (no words, just sound with both melody and harmony).