Down in the meadows the other day
A-gathering flowers, both fine and gay
A-gathering flowers, both red and blue
I little thought what love could do
I leaned my back against an oak
Thinking it was a trusty tree
But first he bended, then he broke
So did my love prove false to me
Must I be bound, oh, and he go free
Must I love one that don't love me
Why should I act such a childish part
And love a man that will break my heart
There is a ship sailing on the sea
She's loaded deep as deep can be
But not so deep as in love I am
I care not if I sink or swim
Oh love is sweet, and love is fine
And love is charming when it's true
As it grows old it grows cold
And fades away like the morning dew