I wish my love was red, rose growing in yon garden fair And I to be the gardener, of her I would take care not a month throughout the year, that my love I'd renew I'd garnish her with fine, Sweet William, Thyme and Rue
I wish I was a butterfly, I'd light on my love's breast And I was a blue cuckoo, I'd sing my love to And if I was a nightingale, I'd sing the daylight clear sit and sing with you, Molly, for once I loved you dear
I wish I in Dublin town and seated on the grass In my right hand, a of punch, and on my knee, a lass I'd call for liquor freely and I'd pay before I'd go roll my Molly in my arms, let the wind blow high or low