As I rode over yonder forest green
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
There I saw Venus, that most lovely queen
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
It was fair Venus whom there I did espy
As she lay asleep, sleep, sleep,
As she lay a-sleeping all alone.

I asked her, far Venus, for one kiss,
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
How could she deny me of such a happy bliss?
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
Then young Adonis he hung down his head,
When she answered him, "No! no! no!"
When she answered him, "No! I can't love you!"

Than as brisk as the day from me did flee
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
"O stay, Venus, stay, I will tell unto thee,
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
"O stay, Venus, stay, I will tell unto thee,
I would tell unto thee, thee, thee,
I would tell unto thee the fond tales of love."

"Now, young Adonis, you've fairly won my heart
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
And I from you, love, never more will part,
(With my hey down derry, with my hey down dey)
And I from you, love, never more will part,
Nor ever will I change, change, change,
Nor ever will I change old love for new!"

abc | midi | pdf

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Source: Lucy Broadwood and J A Fuller Maitland. 1893, English County Songs, Leadenhall Press, London

Notes:
From Mr Grantham, carter at Anstie, Holmwood; he originally came from Sussex and learnt the song sixty years ago there; he has since made it popular about Holmwood.

Lucy Broadwood remarked "A line is cetainly wanting in the third stanza, and possibly one in the last."

Roud:
Laws:
Child: