There were three kinsmen bold
And they fell in love with me

The first came up and said
"My love is a greenwood tree"
Then slowly came he up
And kissed my fingertrips
"Be thou my love," he said
And boldly kissed my lips

The next all dressed in brown
As glick as a grick in mud
Steps up and has his say
"My love is a good red Earth"
With wanton kisses free
And love and laughter gay
I'll take thee for my bride
And dance 'til the break of day

The third was dressed in gray
And sobering mean was he
What mattered was he spoke
My love is a running stream
He held my trembling heart
And his kiss was deep and cool
I'll take thee for my bride
My love is a crystal pool

From out the woods so green
A mortal maid did trip
Each kinsmen held his breath
To see her rose red lips
Then up three hearts did leap
Three voices spake as one
Fair maiden, me, my bride
Until life's day is done

Though sadly hangs my head
And woeful is my heart
No lover have I now
Since mortal hand I must part