Barbara Allen lyrics

In Scarlet town where I was born

There was a fair maid dwelling

Made every youth cried well-a-day

Her name was Barbara Allen

All in the merry month of May

When green buds they were swelling

Young Jimmy Grove on his death-bed 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 came she nigh him

And all she said when there 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 ale-house drinking

You drank a health to the ladies round

But slighted Barbara Allen

And death is printed on his face

And o'er his heart is stealing

And again he cried as she left his side

Hard-hearted Barbara Allen

As she was walking o'er the field

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 Jimmy died for me today

I'll die for him tomorrow

She was buried in yon churchyard

And Jimmy lay 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

Till they could grow no higher

They met and twined in a true-love knot

The red rose round the briar

• Artist:Shirley Collins
• Album:Heart's Ease (2020)