[Verse 1]
I peeked in to say goodnight
And I heard my child in prayer
"Please bring me some scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for my hair"

[Bridge]
Searched all night
My heart was achin'
Just before
The dawn was breaking

[Verse 2]
I peeked in and on her bed
In gay profusion lying there
Scarlet ribbons, lovely ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair

[Verse 3]
If I live to be a hundred
I will never know from where
Came those ribbons, lovely ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair