Rose Red

This is a traditional round, likely dating back to Medieval times. This can be found in any variety of permutations, nearly always starting with the first verse, which is repeated at the end. I don't know that any version of the song has been recorded on it's own, but I do know that Peter, Paul and Mary sang the third verse as part of a traditional folk medly.

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Rose, rose, rose red
Will I never see the wed
I will marry at thy will, sire
At thy will

Ding, dong, ding, dong
Wedding bells will not be rung
Not at thy will.

I won't be my father's Jack
I won't be my mother's Jill
I will be a fiddler's wife
And fiddle as I will

I won't be my mother's toy
I won't be my father's tool
I will be a terrier's wife
And tarry where I will

Hey, ho, nobody home
Meat or drink or money have I none
Still, I will be very merry
Hey ho hum

Ding dong, ding dong
Churchbells ring on a Sunday morn
Carve your name on a moss covered stone
A moss covered stone

Oh poor bird
Why art thou
Flying through the shadows
Of this dark hour

Ah, my Love
Thou Lovest me
Then quickly come to save her
who dies for thee

Oh poor bird
High in flight
High above the mountain tops
On this cold night

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Commonly, the first line is also "Rose, rose, rose, rose" as well as the second line of the sixth verse being "Wedding bells on an April morn."

Here are a few additional verses that I have heard over my travels with Renaissance Fairs, and groups like the SCA.

Hey ho, Nobody's home

food nor drink nor money have I none,

but I will be very very marry

Hey ho, hey.

Whisle up the winds in the tree tops,

silverly moon on stars dark skys

dance with me in Fairy circles

in the morning with me lye

Rose Rose Rose Rose

Will I ever see thee wed?

I will marry at thy will sire

At thy will

Peace peace Peace Peace

Will I ever see thee come?

I will wait forever and ever

peace peace peace

Ding Dong Ding Dong

Wedding bells ring on April morn

Carved your name on a moss covered stone

On a moss covered stone

Mother father dig my grave

Dig it with a golden spade

Bringmy friends and a turtle dove

To show that I died for love

A three-part miniseries that aired on ABC, Rose Red is an original teleplay by horror author Stephen King. The movie's title is drawn from its star, a turn of the century mansion called Rose Red. This being Stephen King, the house is, of course, haunted; the story sees a group of psychics brought to the house to awaken its ghosts. A number of marketing tie-ins were created for the movie, including a book called The Diary of Ellen Rimbauer: My Life at Rose Red.

A perfect mixed drink for summer evenings or picnics, as the recipe can easily be varied to serve more than one person. The drink originated in the deep south, and got the name Rose Red for the deep red color that the cranberry juice and grenadine give it. It has a light, tangy flavor, and can also be made without alcohol as a soft drink.

Ingredients:

• one shot grenadine
• one shot vodka
• cranberry juice
• club soda
• ice (optional)

Mixing Directions: Mix together a cup cranberry juice and shot of vodka with a half cup of club soda. Drop in shot of grenadine. Serve chilled or over ice.