This song is sung to almost the same tune as Loch Lommond. In some versions, the lad is question is a lass. I learnt this song at the Irish Songs and Singing class at the Hammersmith Irish Centre in London.
Chorus
Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows,
And fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne
And my love is fairer than any
Come over the hills my bonny Irish lad
Come over the hills to your darling;
You take the rose love and I'll make the bough
And our love is fairer than any
Chorus
'Twas down by Killarney's green woods that we strayed
And the moon and the stars they were shining
The moon shone its rays on his locks of golden hair
And he swore he'd be my love forever
Chorus
'Tis not for the parting that my sister pains
'Tis not for the grief of my mother,
'Tis all for the love of my bonny Irish lad
That my heart is breaking forever
Chorus
Video of Jane Holohan & Joe Kerr singing this song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOWMlMxLJR8
Different versions of this song
http://www.chivalry.com/cantaria/lyrics/redistherose.html
http://www.fiftiesweb.com/stpats/redisrose.htm
http://www.ireland-information.com/irishmusic/redistherose.shtml
Other songs in English | Songs in other languages
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