I'll wear a ring and a bunch of blue ribbons,
Ribbons of blue as a token to show
That he who once loved me is never forgotten,
Although he did leave me a long time ago.
He bade me farewell on a morning in May,
Oh, cruel was the parting and fast my tears did flow,
My parents chide me sorely and bid me to forget him
Who left me to languish a long time ago.

Other young lads may bring me rings and posies,
Other young lads may come courting of me,
But I will refuse all their love knots and roses,
And ever to my dear love true and faithful I'll be.
Oh, I'll wear a ring and a bunch of blue ribbons,
Ribbons of blue as a token to show
That the one who loved me dearly is never once forgotten,
Although he did leave me a long time ago.