[Verse 1]
I once loved a lass and I loved her so well
That I hated all others who spoke of her ill
And now she's rewarded me well for my love
For she's gone to be wed to another

[Verse 2]
When the day came to the church she did go
And the bride and the bridesmaids they made a fine show
And I followed after with my heart full of woe
To see her get wed to another

[Verse 3]
The parson that married thеm, aloud he did cry
"All you that forbid it, I'd have you stand by"
And I thought to myself, "I'vе a good reason why"
But I had not the heart to forbid it

[Verse 4]
So dig me a grave and dig it so deep
And cover it over with flowers so sweet
That I might lie down there and take a long sleep
And maybe in time I'll forget her

[Verse 5]
The men of the forest, they ask it of me
How many strawberries grow in the salt sea?
I answer them back with a tear in my eye
How many ships sail in the forest?
How many ships sail?