1

I once lov'd a bird, and a bonny bird,
And I thought to make him my own;
But he loves a she far better than me,
And has taken his flight and is flown.

2

I once lov'd a bird, and a bonny bird,
O I lovÈd I vow and protest.
I lovÈd him well, and O! so very well
I built him a nest in my breast.

3

O since he is gone, I will let him alone,
Although that I ache and I burn.
If he loves a she far better than me,
Then I hope he will not return.

4

I lookÈd to East and I lookÈd to West
The weather was hot and was calm.
And then I did spy my own bonny bird
Was perch'd on another maid's arm.

5

Then up the green valley and down the green grove,
As one distracted in mind,
With whoop and halloo, in sorrow I rove
No other such bird will I find.

6

Now if she have gotten my bonny bird,
I never shall get him again.
But though I have lost him for ever a day,
I'll think of him still in my pain.