Mr. John Lee
Knew about your family
That you came when I was lonesome
In the fairest of the spring
But I did not care for your wedding ring
But I did care for Marie

Farewell, my sweet
Oh you often took me
How my hair was a raven
And my eyes were shining bright
But I did not love you quite as well
As your darling loving wife

But every time that you see the Velveteen Rose
Then think of how you once called me your Velveteen Rose

Mr. John Lee
'Twas the night that you told me
The burning thoughts you harbored me
The sheriff found your sweet Marie
Floating by the river weeds
In the fields of green

But every time that you see the Velveteen Rose
Then think of how you once called me your Velveteen Rose