When first I came to Ireland some pleasure for to find It's there I spied a damsel fair, 'twas pleasing to my mind Her rosy cheeks and sparklin' eyes like arrows pierced my breast And I call her lovely Molly O', the lily of the west One day as I was walkin' down by a shady grove I spied a lord of high degree conversing with my love She sang her song delightfully while I was sore oppressed Saying I've been a dupe [I bid adieu?] to Molly O', the lily of the west
Well, I stepped up with my rapier and my dagger in my hand And I dragged him from my false love and boldly I bid him stand But being mad with desperation I swore I'd pierce his breast I was then deceived by Molly O', the lily of the west
A flaw was in my indictment found and that soon had me free That beauty bright I did adore, the judge did her address Now go, you faithless Molly O', the lily of the west
Now that I've gained my liberty a-rowin' I will go I ramble through old Ireland and travel Scotland o'er Though she thought to swear my life away she still disturbs my rest, I still must style her, Molly O', the lily of the west.