Folk & Traditional Song Lyrics www.traditionalmusic.co.uk I Loved a Lad 
I Loved a Lad 
I loved a lad, and I loved him so well. But I hated all others who spoke of his ill. But now he's rewarded me well for my love. Now he's gone to another. 
And I saw my love, down by the corrach side All bridesmaids and braid walk on down by his side. I sat down beside him and I poured out the wine. Now he's wed to another. 
The lads in the forest, they ask of me. "How many wild strawberries, grow in the deep sea?" I ask them the same, I ask them quite plain, "How many ships sail in the forest?" 
Dig me a grave, both long and both deep. And cover it over with flowers so sweet. And maybe's a turning to take a long sleep? And maybe's in time I'll forget him? 
DT #845 In response to a query of where this song family came from: In Kennedy, Folksongs of Britain and Ireland.
 First reference: c.1685 broadside by John White of Newcastle upon Tyne:
 The Forlorn Lover, also: 1773 New Partheon Concert No. 14 The False Nymph 1871 Roxburghe 1881 Christie 1895 Baring Gould and so on with 9 more before 1920. [SOF] 
SOF apr97