Down by a weeping willow, where the wild violets bloom
There lies sweet lovely Nancy so silent in her tomb
She died not broken-hearted nor sickness ere befell
But in one moment was parted from the life she loved so well
One night the moon shone brightly, and the gentle zephyrs blew
When to her bedroom window, her lover then he drew
He said "Come let us wander in those dark woods we'll stray
And there we'll sit and ponder upon our wedding day."
"These woods are dark and dreadful, I am afraid to stay
Of wandering I am weary, so I'll retrace my way."
"These woods, these gentle zephyrs your feet no more will roam
So bid farewell forever to all the things that you have known."
Down on her knees before him then she pleaded for her life
When deep into her bosom he plunged the cruel knife
"Oh, William, cruel William," it was her dying breath
Her heart's blood stained the leaves below, and her eyes were closed in d**h
Down by a weeping willow where the wild violets bloom
There lies sweet lovely Nancy so silent in her tomb