[Verse 1]
It was down in the meadow when pearly with dew
I saw a young maiden pick violets blue
And the song that she sang made all the grove to ring
Oh Billy's gone from me to fight for the King
And I wish that the wars were all over
Crying oh that the wars were all over
[Verse 2]
The notes that she sang were the nightingale's own
To the lark and the linnet, her song was well-known
They tell us of victory, say soon we'll rejoice
But I wait and I wait to hear my billy's voice
And I wish that the wars were all over
Crying oh that the wars were all over
[Bridge]
I said my dear maiden would you stay with me
And we could live happy, and we could live free
Oh no she said to me, none can stand in his stead
I'll follow my Billy whether living or dead…
[Verse 3]
It's now from my parents I'll haste and away
To deck myself out in a young man's array
I'll seek for my Billy or where he does lie
So free for his sake I will venture my life...
And I wish that the wars were all over
Crying oh that the wars were all over