Lyrics The Rose and the Briar - Shirley Collins

In Scarlet Town where I was born
There was a fair maid dwelling
Made every youth
Cry Well-a-day!
Her name was Barbara Allen

All in the merry month of May
When greenbugs, they were swilling
Young Jeremy Grove on his deathbed lay
For love of Barbara Allen

He sent his man into the town
To the place where she was dwelling
Says, "Will you come to my master, dear
If your name is Barbara Allen?"

Then slowly, slowly got she up
And slowly camе she nigh him
And all she said when thеre she came
"Young man, I think you're dying"

"Indeed, I'm sick and very sick
And won't get any better
Unless I gain the love of one
The love of Barbara Allen"

Don't you recall the other night
While at the alehouse drinking
You drank a health to the ladies' round
But slighted Barbara Allen?

And death is printed on his face
And all his heart is stealing
And again he cried as she left his side
Hard-hearted Barbara Allen

As she was walking all the fields
She heard the death-bell tolling
And every toll, it seemed to say
"Hard-hearted Barbara Allen"

When he was dead and laid in grave
Her heart was struck with sorrow
Since Jeremy died for me today
I'll die for him tomorrow

She was buried in yon churchyard
And Jeremy laid a-nigh her
And from his grave grew a red, red rose
And out of hers, a briar

They grew and grew 'round the old church tower
'Til they could grow no higher
They met and twined in a true love knot
The red rose 'round the briar