Lyrics

A fox on yon high hill stood gazing at me
As I went for to see my wee darling
There’s many a berry grows on yon green tree
There’s many a ship sails the ocean.

I courted a wee girl for three years or more
I slighted all others for I loved her so dear
And the answer she gave me when I asked her to wed
She was going to be wed to another
She was going to be wed to another.

The next place I saw her we sat down to eat
I sat down beside her not a bite could I eat
For I loved that wee darling far more than my meat
Although she is wed to another
Although she is wed to another.

The next place I saw her was in the groom’s bed
I got in beside her and I covered my head
Says I my we darling can I sleep by your side
Although you are wed to another
Although you are wed to another.

Stop stop said the bridegroom let me speak but one word
Would you venture your life on the point of my sword
You have lost your wee darling by courting too slow
So begone for you’ll never enjoy her
So begone for you’ll never enjoy her.

Oh! dig me a grave dig it large wide and deep
And cover it over with the red roses sweet
And lay me down gently to take my last sleep
It’s the only best way I’ll forget her
It’s the only best way I’ll forget her.

see also   The lambs on the green hills / Paddy Doherty (Eoghnie)   The lambs on the green hills / Michael McGonigle (James Eoghain)