Lyrics:

If you'd seen my dearest,
Whose eyes they shine the clearest,
His cheeks like the red blood,
New dropped in snow.
He is neat, tall and tender,
His hands soft and slender,
He'll be my greenwood laddie
Wherever he goes.

My parents, my darling,
They slight you with scorn,
Because you have no riches
Wrapped up in store.
But the more that they slight you,
The more I invite you
To be my greenwood laddie
Whom I'd always adore.

For 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'd nest on your bosom
And you'd be my greenwood laddie
And the boy I adore.
It's down by yonder bower
I spend many's the long hour
A-pulling the flowers
By yon clear winding shore.
It was his stolen kisses
Caused my fondest wishing, as
You know he'll be my greenwood laddie
And the boy … (the boy …)

(repeat first verse)