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The Banks of the Roses (4) 
The Banks of the Roses (4) 
When I was a young thing, my mother used to say, That I'd be a rovin' lass and easy led astray; Before I would work, sure, I'd rather sport and play, On the bonnie, bonnie banks of the roses. 
cho: On the banks of the roses, my love and I sat doon He's ta'en oot his German flute to play his love a tune, In the middle o' the tune, noo, the bonnie lassie cried: "O it's Johnnie dear, O Johnnie dinna leave me!" 
For he's ta'en oot a wee penknife as sharp as any lance (dart?) And he's plunged it right in tae yon bonnie lassie's hairt He plunged it right in tae yon bonnie lassie's hairt And he left her lyin' low amang the roses. 
Noo, come a' ye traivellin' lasses, a warnin' tak by me It's never let a Gorgi lad an inch abune your knee, For if ye dae, ye'll be sure for to rue For he'll leave ye lying low amang the roses. 
From Travellers' Songs, MacColl & Seeger Collected from John MacDonald DT #513
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