Abroad as I was walking
Down by the green wood side
I heard a fair maid singing
I wish I was a bride

I thank you pretty maiden
For the singing of your song
‘Tis me myself will marry you
Oh no I am too young

The younger is the better
The fitter for me bride
That all the world will plainly see
I married me wife a maid

And there they laid till daybreak
Till daybreak did appear
This man arose put on his clothes
Fare thee well my dear

What was it that you promised me?
As you lay by my side
You said that you would marry me
Make me your lawful bride

If I said that I would marry you
I was in a merry mood
Oh no me dear I do declare
I’m not that very good

Go home and tell your parents
Go home and pay the bill
And see what you brought on yourself
With your wanton will

For your parents tried to raise you
Like a small bird in a cage
And now you are a child to me
14 years of age

And your friends will all be going out
To the market they will go
And you must stay at home each night
And rock the cradle ‘O

And rock the cradle ‘O me girl
And sing a hush-a-bye
Was ever a maid and a pretty fair maid
So easily led aside

Was ever a maid and a pretty fair maid
So easily led aside