In scarlet Town where I was born There was a fair maid dwelling Made many a youth cry well a day Her name was Barbara Allen It was in the merry month of May When green buds they were swelling Sweet William came from the west country And he courted Barbara Allen He sent his servant unto her To the place where she was dwelling Said my master's sick, bids me call for you If your name be Barbara Allen Well, slowly, slowly got she up And slowly went she nigh him But all she said as she passed his bed 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 as it tolled Hard hearted Barbara Allen O, mother, mother go make my bed And make it long and narrow Sweet William died for me today I'll die for him tomorrow They buried Barbara in the old church yard They buried Sweet William beside her Out of his grave grew a red, red rose And out of hers a briar They grew and grew up the old church wall Till they could grow no higher And at the top twined a lover's knot The red rose and the briar