I'll weave my love a garland,
It shall be dress'd so fine;
I'll set it round with roses,
With lilies, pinks, and thyme.
And I'll present it to my love
When he comes back from sea,
For I love my love, and I love my love,
Because my love loves me.

I wish I were an arrow
That sped into the air,
To seek him as a sparrow,
And, if he was not there
Then quickly I'd become a fish,
To search the raging sea,
For I love my love, and I love my love,
Because my love loves me.

I would I were a reaper,
I'd seek him in the corn,
I would I were a keeper,
I'd hunt him with my horn.
I'd blow a blast, when found at last,
Beneath the greenwood tree,
For I love my love, and I love my love,
Because my love loves me.