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.
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
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."