I peeped in to say good night

When I heard my child in prayer

"Send 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 my town no scarlet ribbons

Scarlet ribbons for her hair



Through the night my heart was aching

Just before the dawn was breaking



I peeped in and on her bed

In gay profusion lying there

I saw ribbons, scarlet ribbons

Scarlet ribbons for her hair



If I live to be a hundred

I will never know from where

Came those lovely scarlet ribbons

Scarlet ribbons for her hair