Ye muses assist me, there is none can resist me
Only that fair one whom I do adore
And the more that they tease me, he's the young man can please me
He'll be my green wood laddie 'til time is no more

If you'd seen my dearest whose eyes shine the clearest
His cheeks like the red blood that's new dropped in snow
He is neat, tall and handsome, and his hands, warm and tender
He'll be my green wood laddie whom I'd always adore

My parents, my darling, they slight you with scorn
Because you have no riches wrapped up in store
And the more that they slight you, the more I'll entice you
To be my green wood laddie 'til time is no more

And it's down in yonder bower I spent many's the long hours
A-plucking wild flowers by yon clear winding shore
It was his stolen kisses caused my fondest wishes
He'll be my green wood laddie whom I'll always adore

And if I had the wealth of the East or West Indies
Or if I had the gold of the African shore
Or if I could gain thousands I would lie in your bosom
You'd be my green wood laddie whom I'd always adore
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