When I Was in My Prime

When I was in my prime

I flourished like a vine

There came along a false young man

That stole the heart of mine

That stole the heart of mine

The gardener standing by

Three offers he made to me

The pink, the violet and red rose

Which I refused all three

Which I refused all three

The pink's no flower at all

For it fades away too soon

And the violet is too pale a hue

I think I'll wait 'til June

I think I'll wait 'til June

In June the red rose blooms

That's not the flower for me

For then I'll pluck the red rose off

And plant a willow tree

And plant a willow tree

And the willow tree shall weep

And the willow tree shall whine

I wish I was in the young man's arms

That stole the heart of mine

That stole the heart of mine

If I'm spared for one year more

And God should grant me grace

I'll weep a bowl of crystal tears

To wash his deceitful face

To wash his deceitful face

Credits: Traditional; arranged by Michael McGlynn