Peaches in the summertime Apples in the fall If I can't get the girl I love I don't want none at all (note 1)
Chorus Shady grove, my little love Shady grove, I know Shady grove, my little love I'm bound for shady grove
Wish I had a banjo string Made of golden twine Every tune I'd play on it (note 2) I wish that girl were mine
[chorus]
Wish I had a needle and thread (note 3) Fine as I could sew I'd sew that pretty girl to my side And down the road I'd go
[chorus]
Some come here to fiddle and dance Sme come here to tarry Some come here to fiddle and dance I come here to marry
[chorus]
Every night when I go home (note 4) My wife, I try to please her The more I try, the worse she gets Damned if I don't leave her
[chorus]
Fly around, my pretty little miss (note 5) Fly around, my Daisy Fly around, my pretty little miss Nearly drive me crazy
[chorus]
Notes (1) on the "Pizza Tapes", Jerry sings "I won't have none at all" (2) on the "Pizza Tapes", Jerry sings "Every tune I'd pick on it" (3) Jerry doesn't sing this verse on the "Pizza Tapes" (4) Jerry sings this verse twice on the "Pizza Tapes" (5) Jerry sings this verse on the "Pizza Tapes" but not on the version on "Shady Grove"
The lyrics Jerry sang in 1962 were (thank to Matt Schofield for the transcription): Chorus Shady grove, my true love Shady grove, my honey Shady grove, my true love Bound for shady grove
[third verse above] Wish I had a needle and thread Fine as I could sew I'd sew that pretty girl to my side And down the road I'd go
[chorus]
[new verse] When I was a little boy My mama told me If I never kissed a girl My lips would grow all mouldy
[chorus]
[fifth verse above] Every night when I go home (My wife?) I try to please her The more I try the worse she gets Damned if I don't leave her
[chorus]
[new verse] When I was a little boy I wanted a whittlin' knife Now I am a great big boy I want a little wife
[chorus]
[second verse above - with variations] Wish I had a banjo string Made of golden twine Every time I play on it I wish that girl was mine