Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows Fair is the lily of the valley Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne But my love is fairer than any.
Come over the hills, my bonnie Irish lass Come over the hills to your darling You choose the rose, love, and I'll make the vow And I'll be your true love forever.
'Twas down by Killarney's green woods that we strayed When the moon and the stars they were shining The moon shone its rays on her locks of golden hair And she swore she'd be my love forever.
Chorus
It's not for the parting that my sister pains It's not for the grief of my mother 'Tis all for the loss of my bonny Irish lass That my heart is breaking forever.