Lyrics:

I peeked in to say goodnight
Then I heard my child in prayer
'And for me some scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for my hair'

All the stores were closed and shuttered
All the streets were dark and bare
In our town those scarlet ribbons
Not one ribbon for her hair

Through the night
My heart was aching
Just before
The dawn was breaking

I peeked in and on her bed
In gay profusion lying there
Lovely ribbons, scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair

If I live to be a hundred
I will nev?r know from where
Came thos? lovely scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair