Have you ever been in love, me boys?
Oh! have you felt the pain?
I'd rather be in jail, me boys,
Than be in love again.
For the girl I loved was beautiful,
I'd have you all to know,
And I met her in the garden
Where the praties grow.
[Chorus:]
She was just the sort of creature, boys,
That nature did intend
To walk right through the world, me boys,
Without a Grecian Bend.
Nor did she wear a chignon,
I'd have you all to know.
And I met her in the garden
Where the praties grow.
Said I, "My lovely colleen,
I hope you'll pardon me".
And she wasn't like the city girls
Who'd say "You're making free".
She looked at me right modestly
And curtsied very low.
"Sure, you're welcome in the garden
Where the praties grow".
[Chorus]
Says I, "My lovely darling,
I'm tired of single life,
And if you've no objections
I will make you my sweet wife."
Says she, "I'll ask my parents,
And tomorrow I'll let you know
If you'll meet me in the garden
Where the praties grow".
[Chorus]
Her parents they consented
And we're blessed with children three:
Two girls just like their mother,
And a boy the image of me.
We'll train them up in decency,
The way they ought to go,
And we'll send them to the garden
Where the praties grow.
[Chorus]