Come all you fair and tender ladies

Be careful how you court young men

They're like the stars that rise in morning

They first appear, and then they're gone

If I had known before I courted

I swear I would have courted none

I'd lock my heart in a box so golden

And seal it up with a silver pin

I wish I were some tiny sparrow

That I had wings, and I could fly

I'd fly straight way to my false lover

And sing and call with every lie

But I am not some tiny sparrow

I have no wings, I cannot fly

I bide my time, and weep my sorrow

And try to pass my troubles by

Do you recall our days of courting

You lay your head upon my breast

I'd have believed with all your lying

That the sun rose in the west

So all you fair and tender ladies

Be careful how you court young men

They're like the stars that rise in morning

They first appear, and then they're gone

They just appear, and then they're gone

They just appear, and then they're gone