I leaned my back against an oak
Thinking it was a trusty tree
At first she bowed, and then she broke
And so my love proved false to me

Wherefore should I weed the flowers?
Wherefore should I tend my hedge?
For my true love has me forsook
And said she'll never love me more

Oh, waillee, waillee, but love be bonny
For a little while when it is near
But when it's cold, it waxes old
And it fades away like the morning dew

And so my love proved false to me
And so my love proved false to me