Shady Grove, my little love,
Shady grove I say.
Shady Grove, my little love,
I'm a-bound to go away.
Cheeks as red as a blooming rose,
And eyes of the prettiest brown;
She's the darling of my heart,
The prettiest little girl in town.
I wish I had a glass of wine
And bread and meat for two;
I'd set it all on a golden plate
And give it all to you.

I wish I had me a big fine horse
And the corn to feed him on,
Little Shady Grove to stay at home
And feed him while I'm gone.
When I went to see my Shady Grove
She was a-standing in the door.
Her shoes and stockings in her hand
And her little bare feet on the floor.

Now when I was a little boy
I wanted a Barlow knife,
And now I want little Shady Grove
To say she'll be my wife.
A kiss from little Shady Grove
Is as sweet as brandywine,
And there ain't no girl in this whole world
That's prettier than mine.