Lyrics:

I'll lay o'er the green branches although I am young,
How dearly I loved my love, how sweetly she sang.
Was there ever a young man in such a sorry state
As me with my Flora, my laurel of late.

All to my dear Flora these words I did say,
“Tomorrow we'll be married love, tomorrow is our day.”
“Oh no dearest William my age it is too young,
One day to our wedding is one day too soon.

“For I'll go into service if the day ain't too late;
I'll be apprenticed to a fine lady it is my intent.
And when into service for a year or two bound
It's then we'll get married, love, and I'll settle down.”

But a little while after a letter was wrote,
All a-saying that Flora had changed her mind.
And she said that she lived such a contrary life,
She'd never be, she couldn't ever be a young shepherd's wife.

Here's me black dog, here's me sheep crook, I'll will give unto you.
Here's me bag and me budget, I will bid 'em all adieu.
Here's me black dog and me sheep crook, I'll will leave 'em all behind
Since Flora, my laurel, you've proved so unkind.