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Sweet William

This song, and the tune, are both closely related to
Johnny Has Gone, and
Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier, and
Butternut Hill.



    It's often I sat on my true love's knee
    And many a fond tale he told me
    He told me things that never shall be
    Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.


    Chorus:
         The rose is red, the grass is green
         The days are past that I have seen
         And there is another where I have been
         Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.


    I wish I was where I love best
    Close in them arms I would embrace
    The door should be locked and the key in the chest
    Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.


    Chorus:
         The rose is red, the grass is green
         The days are past that I have seen
         And there is another where I have been
         Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.


    I wish, I wish, I wish in vain
    Wish I was a maid again
    Then my parents would not complain
    Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.


    Chorus:
         The rose is red, the grass is green
         The days are past that I have seen
         And there is another where I have been
         Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.


    I'll dye my petticoats crimson red
    Through the world I'll beg my bread
    When he comes back he'll think I'm dead
    Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.


    Chorus:
         The rose is red, the grass is green
         The days are past that I have seen
         And there is another where I have been
         Sweet William's a-mourning among the rush.