When first I came to Ireland,
Some pleasure for to find,
It's there I spied a damsel fair,
Most pleasing to my mind
Her rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes,
Like arrows pierced my breast
They call her lovely Molly O,
The Lily of the West.
2. Her golden hair in ringlets hung,
Her dress was spangled o'er,
She had rings upon her fingers
Brought from a foreign shore;
She'd entice both Kings and Princes,
So costly was she dressed,
She far exceeds Diana bright -
She's the Lily of the West.
3. One day as I was walking
Down by a shady grove,
I espied a Lord of high degree
Conversing with my love,
She sang a song delightful
While I was sore oppressed,
Saying "I bid adieu to Molly O,
The Lily of the West.."
| 4. I stepped up with my rapier
And my dagger in my hand,
And dragged him from my false love
And boldly bid him stand,
But being mad with desperation,
I swore I'd pierce his breast,
I was then deceived by Molly O,
The Lily of the West.
5. I then did stand my trial,
And boldly I did plead,
A flaw was in my indictment found
And that soon had me freed,
That beauty bright I did adore,
The judge did her address,
"Now go, you faithless Molly O,
The Lily of the West."
6. Now that I've gained my liberty,
A-roving I will go,
I'll ramble through old Ireland,
And travel Scotland o'er;
Tho' she thought to swear my life away,
She still disturbs my rest,
I still must style her Molly O,
The Lily of the West.
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