I ainse loved a lass and I loved her sae well
that I hate all others that spoke of her ill;
but now she’s rewarded me ill for my love
she’s gone tae get wed tae another.
When I saw my love tae the kirk go
wi’ bride and bridemaidens they made a fine show,
and I followed after, may hear’ filled wi’ woe,
to see my love wed tae another.
When I saw my love sit doon tae dine
I sat doon beside her and poured oot the wine
and I drank tae the lassie that should’a been mine,
but she’s gone tae be wed tae another.
The men of yon forest, they ask it o’ me
“How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?”
I answer them back wi’ a tear in ma e’e
“How many ships sail in the forest?”
Go dig me a grave, both long, wide and deep
and cover it over wi’ florets sae sweet;
and I’ll turn in for to take a long sleep
and maybe in time I’ll forget her.
And they dug him a grave, both long, wide and deep
and they covered it over wi’ florets sae sweet;
and he’s turned in for to take a long sleep
and maybe by now he’s forgot her.