He sneaked up to his lover's window
Bade her go with him
But she did so hesitantly
For the moon that night was dim
Said he "oh, my own true Emma
Haste! Do not delay
And we will ramble through the hedges
Set our wedding day
And we'll go"
Down, down, down
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows
But there amongst the violets
He cursed her up and down
And told her of his jealousy
Then pushed her to the ground
But she had loved no other
And she begged him for her life
But no amount of pleading
Could stop his steely knife
Down, down, down
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows
Down, down, down, down, down
Down by the river
Down, down, down, down, down
Down where the violets grow
Down, down, down, down
Down by the willows
Down, down
A f the birds sang in the morning
Their awful, weary songs
Where the truest love of Edward
Had never done a wrong
But there beneath the willows
Where the violets fade and bloom
Resides the ghost of Emma
Near her cold and silent tomb
The river
Down, down, down
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows
Down, down, down
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows
Down by the willows
Down by the drooping willows