In Scarlet Town where I was born
There was a fair maid dwelling
Made every youth cry well a day
And her name was Barbara Allen
It was in the merry month of May
When green buds they were swelling
Sweet William on his death bed lay
For the love of Barbara Allen
He sent his servant to the town
To the place where she was dwelling
Cried master bid you to his side
If your name be Barbara Allen
Slowly slowly she got up
Slowly she went to nigh him
And when she pulled the curtain back
Said, "Young man I think you're dying"
"Oh yes, I'm sick, I'm very sick
And I will be no better
Until I've had the love of one
The love of Barbara Allen"
"Father, father, go dig my grave
Dig it deep, deep and narrow
Sweet William died for me today
I'll die for him tomorrow"
They buried her in the old courtyard
Sweet William's grave was nigh her
And from his heart there grew a rose
And from her heart grew a briar
They grew and grew up the courtyard wall
Till they could grow no higher
Then grew as one to part no more
The red red rose and the briar
The red red rose and the briar