When I Was in My Prime

When I was in my prime
I flourished like a vine
There came along a false young man
That stole the heart of mine
That stole the heart of mine
The gardener standing by Three offers he made to me The pink, the violet and red rose
Which I refused all three
Which I refused all three
The pink’s no flower at all
For it fades away too soon
And the violet is too pale a hue
I think I’ll wait 'til June
I think I’ll wait 'til June
In June the red rose blooms
That’s not the flower for me For then I’ll pluck the red rose off
And plant a willow tree
And plant a willow tree
And the willow tree shall weep
And the willow tree shall whine
I wish I was in the young man’s arms
That stole the heart of mine
That stole the heart of mine
If I’m spared for one year more
And God should grant me grace
I’ll weep a bowl of crystal tears
To wash his deceitful face
To wash his deceitful face
Credits: Traditional; arranged by Michael McGlynn