I once loved a lass and I loved her so well

And I hated all others who spoke of her ill.

And now she's rewarded me well for my love,

For she's gone and she's wed another.



And I saw my love up to the church go

With bridesmen and bridesmaidens she made a fine show.

And I followed on with my heart full of woe

For she's gone and she's wed another.



I saw my love as she sat down to dine.

I sat down beside her and poured the wine.

And I thought of the lassie that should have been mine,

I thought her sweet company better than meat

Now she's gone and she's wed another.



All the men in yon forest they asked of me,

How many strawberries grow in a salt sea?

And I answer them with a tear in my e'e,

How many ships sail in the forest?



Oh dig me a grave and dig it sae deep,

And cover it over with wee flowers sae sweet.

And I lay me down for to take a long sleep

And maybe in time I'll forget her.



So they dug him a grave and they dug it sae deep

And they covered it over with wee flowers sae sweet

And he lay him down for to take a long sleep

And maybe in time he'll forget her.