Down in the meadows the other day
A-gathering flowers, both fine and gay
A-gathering flowers, both red and blue
I little thought what love could do

I leaned my back against an oak
Thinking it was a trusty tree
But first he bended, then he broke
So did my love prove false to me

Must I be bound, oh, and he go free
Must I love one that don´t love me
Why should I act such a childish part
And love a man that will break my heart

There is a ship sailing on the sea
She´s loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as in love I am
I care not if I sink or swim

Oh love is sweet, and love is fine
And love is charming when it´s true
As it grows old it grows cold

And fades away like the morning dew