[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