Lyrics:
In Scarlet Town where I was born, there was a fair maid dwelling
She made many a youth cry well a day, and her name was Barbry Allen
Oh her name was Barbry Allen
Was in the merry month of May when green buds they were swelling
Sweet William came from the West Country, and he courted Barbry Allen
there he courted Barbry Allen
He sent his servant unto her to the place where she was dwelling
Said my master’s sick, he bids me call on you, if your name be Barbry Allen
if your name be Barbry Allen
Well slowly, slowly she got up and slowly she went nigh him
But all she said as she passed his bed, young man I think you’re dying
Oh young man I think you’re dying
Then lightly tripped she down the stairs, she heard those church bells tolling
And each bell seemed to say to her, hard hearted Barbry Allen
hard hearted Barbry Allen
Oh mother go and make my bed and make it long and narrow
Young William died for me today, I will die for him tomorrow
I will die for him tomorrow
They buried Barbry in the old churchyard, they buried William beside her
And from his grave grew a red red rose, and out of hers a briar
out of her grave came the briar
They grew and grew up the old church wall, till they could grow no higher
And at the top wind a lovers’ knot, t’was the red rose and the briar
t’was the red rose and the briar
In Scarlet Town where I was born, there once was a fair maid dwelling
She made many a youth cry well a day, and her name was Barbry Allen
Oh her name was Barbry Allen