This traditional 18th century song has been recorded by both Steeleye Span and Status Quo.
This version uses the most original lyrics to the song that I could find although there
are a few other versions about inc. those used by Steeleye Span and Status Quo.
Verse 1
C G C G
My love she was fair and my love she was kind
C G C D G
And cruel the judge and jury that sentenced her away
G C F Am
For thieving was a thing that she never was inclined to
C G C G C
They sent my love across the sea ten thousand miles away
Chorus
C G C G
All around my hat I will wear the green willow
C G C D G
All around my hat for a year and a day
C F Am
And if anyone should question me the reason for my wearing it
C G C G C
I'll tell them that my own true love is ten thousand miles away
Verse 2
C G C G
I bought my love a golden ring to wear upon her finger
C G C D G
A token of our own true love and to remember me
G C F Am
And when she returns again we never will be parted
C G C G C
We'll marry and be happy for ever and a day.
Chorus
C G C G
All around my hat I will wear the green willow
C G C D G
All around my hat for a year and a day
C F Am
And if anyone should question me the reason for my wearing it
C G C G C
I'll tell them that my own true love is ten thousand miles
Verse 3
C G C G
Seven seven long years my love and I are parted
C G C D G
Seven seven long years my love is bound to stay
G C F Am
Seven long years I'll love my love and never be false hearted
C G C G C
And never sigh or sorrow while she's far far away
Chorus
C G C G
All around my hat I will wear the green willow
C G C D G
All around my hat for a year and a day
C F Am
And if anyone should question me the reason for my wearing it
C G C G C
I'll tell them that my own true love is ten thousand miles away
Verse 4
C G C G
Some young men there are who are preciously deceitful
C G C D G
A-coaxing of the fair young maids they mean to lead astray
G C F Am
As soon as they deceive them so cruelly they leave them
C G C G C
I'll love my love forever though she's far far away
Chorus
C G C G
All around my hat I will wear the green willow
C G C D G
All around my hat for a year and a day
C F Am
And if anyone should question me the reason for my wearing it
C G C G C
I'll tell them that my own true love is ten thousand miles away
