Lyrics:

There was a lady near the town
Low so low and so lonely
She walked all night and all around
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She's leaned her back against a thorn
Low so low and so lonely
Two little babies she has borne
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She took a rope so long and neat
Low so low and so lonely
She tied them down both hand and feet
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She took a knife so keen and sharp
Low so low and so lonely
She pierced it through each tender heart
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

She buried them under the marble stone
Low so low and so lonely
Then she turned and went on home
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

As she walked out one moonlit night
Low so low and so lonely
She saw two babes all dressed in white
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

'Oh babes, oh babes, if you were mine
Low so low and so lonely
I'd dress you up in silks so fine'
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

'Oh mother, oh mother, when we were yours
Low so low and so lonely
You dressed us in our own hearts' blood'
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

'You wiped your pen-knife on your shoe
Low so low and so lonely
The more you wiped the bloodier it grew'
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

'You buried us under the marble stone
Low so low and so lonely
You turned and went a maiden home'
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

'Babes, oh babes, come tell me true
Low so low and so lonely
What death must I die for you?'
Down in the greenwoods of ivy

'For seven years you shall ring the bell
Low so low and so lonely
For seven years you shall wait in hell'
Down in the greenwoods of ivy